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The Boundlessness of God: Difference between revisions
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== Philosophical Proofs of God’s Boundlessness == | == Philosophical Proofs of God’s Boundlessness == | ||
=== Absolute Existence === | |||
The third argument, which adopts a philosophical perspective on God’s boundlessness, posits that absolute existence is inherently equivalent to boundlessness. This is because limitation arises from deficiency and non-existence. Absolute existence, being free from non-existence, is devoid of deficiency, multiplicity, or division, and is therefore boundless. | The third argument, which adopts a philosophical perspective on God’s boundlessness, posits that absolute existence is inherently equivalent to boundlessness. This is because limitation arises from deficiency and non-existence. [[Absolute existence]], being free from non-existence, is devoid of deficiency, multiplicity, or division, and is therefore boundless.<ref>Motahhari, Mortezâ. Majmu‘eh-ye Âsâr 6. p. 1017. Tehran: Sadra, 1379 SH.</ref> | ||
Since God represents absolute existence, pure being, and the essence of existence itself, it is inconceivable for Him to be limited. If God were limited, it would imply imperfection or the absence of pure being, suggesting that He also possesses essence (quiddity). However, wherever multiplicity exists, limitation naturally follows, while in the absence of multiplicity, there is no limitation. [[The Quran]] affirms this concept in the verse: "Say, He is Allah, [who is] One".<ref>Quran 112:1.</ref> God’s singularity and uniqueness eliminate the possibility of multiplicity or division. Consequently, God is free from all forms of limitation, further solidifying His boundlessness. | |||
Another reason for God's boundlessness is that limitation is synonymous with subjugation and causation. Any entity that is an effect (ma‘lūl) or subject to external influence is inherently limited. | |||
Since God is not the effect of any cause, nor is He subjugated by anything, He transcends all limitations. He is the causa prima (the First Cause), the ultimate source of all causes (musabbib al-asbab), and the absolute sovereign (qahir mutlaq). Thus, it follows that He is never confined by any boundary and is absolutely infinite and boundless. | === God as the First Cause === | ||
Another reason for God's boundlessness is that limitation is synonymous with subjugation and causation. Any entity that is an effect (''ma‘lūl'') or subject to external influence is inherently limited. Since God is not the effect of any cause, nor is He subjugated by anything, He transcends all limitations. He is the causa prima (the First Cause), the ultimate source of all causes (''musabbib al-asbab''), and the absolute sovereign (''qahir mutlaq''). Thus, it follows that He is never confined by any boundary and is absolutely infinite and boundless.<ref>Motahhari, Mortezâ. Majmu‘eh-ye Âsâr 6. p. 1017. Tehran: Sadra, 1379 SH.</ref> | |||
Another reason for God's boundlessness is that He is wājib al-wujūd (the Necessary Existence), and necessity of existence is synonymous with being infinite and boundless. In other words, the essence of existence is equivalent to being without limits, necessity, purity, and absoluteness. | |||
Since God is the essence of existence itself, pure being, and the Necessary Existence, He must be boundless and infinite. If God were not infinite, He would not be the Necessary Existence. For if God were limited in any way, He would not fulfill the requirement of being the absolutely necessary being (wājib al-wujūd), as His existence would then be contingent upon something else. Therefore, since God's existence is absolute and necessary in its essence, He is by definition infinite and without bounds. | === Necessary Existence === | ||
Another reason for God's boundlessness is that He is ''[[wājib al-wujūd]]'' (the Necessary Existence), and necessity of existence is synonymous with being infinite and boundless. In other words, the essence of existence is equivalent to being without limits, necessity, purity, and absoluteness. | |||
Since God is the essence of existence itself, pure being, and the Necessary Existence, He must be boundless and infinite. If God were not infinite, He would not be the Necessary Existence. For if God were limited in any way, He would not fulfill the requirement of being the absolutely necessary being (wājib al-wujūd), as His existence would then be contingent upon something else. Therefore, since God's existence is absolute and necessary in its essence, He is by definition infinite and without bounds.<ref>Motahhari, Mortezâ. Majmu‘eh-ye Âsâr 6. p. 1018. Tehran: Sadra, 1379 SH.</ref> | |||
=== The Absence of Essence in God === | |||
Another reason for God's boundlessness is that limitation always arises from essence (māhiyyah). Essence is the source of limitation in beings, as it defines and confines their existence. Since [[God]] is free from essence, He is also free from any form of determination or boundary.<ref>Sadr al-Mota’allehin. Al-Asfâr. Vol. 1, p. 96. Beirut: Dâr al-Ehyâ’, n.d.</ref> | |||
All created beings possess essence, meaning they are specific and have defined existential limits—such as humans, trees, or animals—hence, they are inherently limited. However, God, being free from any essence or specific determination, is also free from limitation. Since essence is the root of limitation, and God is transcendent beyond any essence, He is not subject to any form of limitation. Therefore, God's boundlessness follows directly from His freedom from essence, which would otherwise impose limitations upon Him. | |||
== Sources == | |||
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