Theological methodology of allameh Majlesi

Author:
Mohammad Azimi
Level:
Ph.D
Subject(s):
Shia Studies
Language:
Farsi
Faculty:
Faculty of Shi’i Studies
Year:
2016
Publisher:
URD Press
Supervisor(s):
Abolfazl Kiashemshaki
Advisor(s):
Mohammad Javdan, Mohammad Ghafouri Nejad

Allameh Majlesi  is considered as  great and prominent  scholar of Shiite  in Safavian period. He systematically  engaged  in understanding and defending   belief  teachings of Shiite   in his  dependent and  independent works. This study   has aimed to investigate and analyzed his theology methods   by referring to  his theology works. In scholastic theology , he  used two methods : intellectual and narrative.  From his viewpoint , certainty has only been valid in beliefs ;thus,  he doesn’t know one description  as proof in theology.  From his view, Quran has  textually been  falsified and traditions based on falsification  are  document in successive and are  text in  indication.  Although he has defended the theory of Quran falsification ,  he used  Quran verses in  theology issues.  His use of  narrative   method ,specially  traditions,  caused  many new  issues  to enter  scholastic theology.  He didn’t use  description  as descriptive one and it can certainly said that  he is not considered as descriptive one  in theology issues.   Excessive  use of   traditions , emphasis on the role of Imams  in real science , promise to falsification of Quran  and disagreement with  philosophy and mysticism , promise to the correction of traditions of important books  of Shiite  can not  prove that he was  descriptive one.  He believes  the intellectual authenticity to prove the primary principles of religion and know the wisdom as  one of sources of  religion principles.  On the other hand, accepting  the authenticity of independent wisdom  beside  Quran verses and successive traditions  does not mean  that   wisdom limitations are ignored.  Thus it emphasizes wisdom limitations.  However,  he  has used intellectual ways , even  philosophical rules and reasons  to prove and defend  theological  teachings; although, he  disagreed with philosophers of Aristotelian  and illuminist. He defended  theological teaching of  Imamate  in different ways.  Due to dominating over  theological principles of Shiite  and knowing  other religions and schools  and observing intellectual level of  audience , he was successful in  explaining  Imamate teachings and  in responding  to the doubts  and rejecting   opposed beliefs.