The Idea of the Unity of Existence in the Thought of Sayyed Haydar Amoli (Mystical Monotheism) and Its Comparison with the Views of Allama Majlisi Theologians (Theological Monotheism)

The unity of existence is a central and controversial topic in Islamic theology, mysticism, and philosophy, influencing many related discussions. Some theologians like Mohammad Taher Qomi and Mirlohi fundamentally opposed mystical ideas, while scholars such as Sayyed Haydar Amoli, Feyz Kashani, and Mulla Sadra used mystical theories to interpret religious texts. Allameh Mohammad Baqir Majlisi took a middle-ground approach, accepting mystical interpretations based on the school of the Shiite Imams. This article compares the mystical monotheism of Sayyed Haydar Amoli with the theological monotheism of Allameh Majlisi, aiming to present a coherent understanding of the unity of existence theory.

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Abstract

The issue of the unity of existence is one of the key topics in Islamic theology, mysticism, and philosophy. It is the central subject in mystical thought and one of the most controversial issues in the history of Islamic theology and mysticism, even among Western scholars. Almost all other discussions around mysticism and theology in some way return to this issue. Some theologians, such as Mohammad Taher Qomi and Mirlohi, were fundamentally opposed to the ideas of mystics. On the other hand, scholars like Sayyed Haydar Amoli, Feyz Kashani, and Mulla Sadra sought to use mystical theories in interpreting religious texts. The late Allameh Mohammad Baqir Majlisi adopted a middle-ground approach between these two groups of scholars. In his engagement with the leading figures of mysticism, he accepted their mystical interpretations based on the school of the Shiite Imams. This article compares the mystical monotheism of Sayyed Haydar Amoli with the theological monotheism of Allameh Majlisi and attempts to present a coherent and comprehensible understanding of the unity of existence theory.