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The Boundlessness of God: Difference between revisions
→Imam Ali’s Words on God’s Boundlessness
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== Imam Ali’s Words on God’s Boundlessness == | == Imam Ali’s Words on God’s Boundlessness == | ||
In [[Nahj al-Balaghah]], Imam Ali (PBUH) says: | In [[Nahj al-Balaghah]], Imam Ali (PBUH) says: | ||
::"Whoever points to Him has limited Him, and whoever limits Him has enumerated Him". | ::"Whoever points to Him has limited Him, and whoever limits Him has enumerated Him". <ref>Nahj al-Balaghah, Sermon 1</ref>. | ||
This statement categorically denies any limitation of the Divine. Imam Ali (PBUH) clarifies that since God is beyond enumeration and limitation, He cannot be contained by any bounds. If God were limited, He would be countable, whereas God is unique, singular, and without equal. Limitation typically arises from resemblance or opposition. Since God transcends all likenesses and opposites, He is also free from limitation. | This statement categorically denies any limitation of the Divine. Imam Ali (PBUH) clarifies that since God is beyond enumeration and limitation, He cannot be contained by any bounds. If God were limited, He would be countable, whereas God is unique, singular, and without equal. Limitation typically arises from resemblance or opposition. Since God transcends all likenesses and opposites, He is also free from limitation.<ref>Jâ’fari, Mohammad Taqi. Sharh-e Nahj al-Balâgha. Vol. 2, pp. 35–61. Tehran: Daftar-e Nashr-e Farhang-e Eslâmi, 1357 SH.</ref> | ||
In another sermon, [[Imam Ali (PBUH)]] states: | In another sermon, [[Imam Ali (PBUH)]] states: | ||
::"He is not encompassed by limits nor computed by numbers; only tools and instruments measure themselves". | ::"He is not encompassed by limits nor computed by numbers; only tools and instruments measure themselves".<ref>Nahj al-Balaghah, Sermon 186</ref> | ||
This statement by Imam Ali (PBUH) seeks to deny any form of limitation to [[God]]. A detailed analysis of this phrase reveals that "limit" refers to restriction. For example, the boundaries of a house define the space that should not be exceeded, or the borders of a country are delineated by specific geographic points. Imam Ali (PBUH) asserts that God, unlike created entities, has no limits. He is not characterized by a finite attribute that embodies certain qualities while excluding others, nor is He comparable to other beings such as humans, trees, or [[angels]]. | This statement by Imam Ali (PBUH) seeks to deny any form of limitation to [[God]]. A detailed analysis of this phrase reveals that "limit" refers to restriction. For example, the boundaries of a house define the space that should not be exceeded, or the borders of a country are delineated by specific geographic points. Imam Ali (PBUH) asserts that God, unlike created entities, has no limits. He is not characterized by a finite attribute that embodies certain qualities while excluding others, nor is He comparable to other beings such as humans, trees, or [[angels]]. | ||
If we were to assume that God is limited, it would imply that He exists alongside other entities as a particular being with only specific perfections. For instance, the sun provides light and warmth, water has its own properties, and soil possesses yet another set of attributes. However, God is not confined to any of these qualities or their equivalents. Instead, all attributes and perfections found in created beings originate from Him as the ultimate source of existence. | If we were to assume that God is limited, it would imply that He exists alongside other entities as a particular being with only specific perfections. For instance, the sun provides light and warmth, water has its own properties, and soil possesses yet another set of attributes. However, God is not confined to any of these qualities or their equivalents. Instead, all attributes and perfections found in created beings originate from Him as the ultimate source of existence. | ||
Thus, attributing limitation to God would contradict His role as the Creator and sustainer of all existents. A limited entity cannot be the origin of all contradictory attributes found in creation. In contrast, God, as the ultimate source of existence, encompasses all perfections and is therefore boundless. This concept underscores His transcendence above all finite descriptions and limitations. Further elaboration on this topic can be found in the referenced sources. | Thus, attributing limitation to God would contradict His role as the Creator and sustainer of all existents. A limited entity cannot be the origin of all contradictory attributes found in creation. In contrast, God, as the ultimate source of existence, encompasses all perfections and is therefore boundless. This concept underscores His transcendence above all finite descriptions and limitations. Further elaboration on this topic can be found in the referenced sources.<ref>Sha‘râni, quoted in: Hasan-Zâdeh, Hezâr o Yek Kalemeh. Vol. 4, p. 212. Qom: Daftar-e Tablighât, 1379 SH.</ref> | ||
== Philosophical Proofs of God’s Boundlessness == | == Philosophical Proofs of God’s Boundlessness == | ||