The Boundlessness of God

Question

How can the boundlessness of God be proven?

The boundlessness of God can be established through various arguments, some derived from the sayings of Imam Ali (PBUH) and others from philosophical discourse. Imam Ali (PBUH) states that God cannot be pointed to or delimited, asserting that if God were finite, He would be countable. Since God is singular and without partner, such finitude is impossible. Philosophers, on the other hand, have used concepts like "Absolute Existence," "the First Cause," and "Necessary Existence" to demonstrate God's boundlessness. They argue that limitation is a property of essence, which has no place in the divine reality.

Imam Ali’s Words on God’s Boundlessness

In Nahj al-Balaghah, Imam Ali (PBUH) says:

"Whoever points to Him has limited Him, and whoever limits Him has enumerated Him". .

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.

In another sermon, Imam Ali (PBUH) states:

"He is not encompassed by limits nor computed by numbers; only tools and instruments measure themselves".

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. 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.

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.

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". 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

رده:اسماء و صفات الهی رده:برهان اثبات خدا رده:شناخت و اثبات خدا رده:صفات ثبوتیه