Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD graduate in Quranic Sciences and Hadith from the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Teachings, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor in the Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences at the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The comparative analysis of the eternity of punishment from the perspectives of Ibn Arabi and Allameh Tabatabai reveals significant philosophical and theological insights. Ibn Arabi (1165-1240), a prominent Sufi philosopher, views eternal punishment as part of the soul’s developmental journey. He emphasizes the concept of “unity of existence,” suggesting that all beings ultimately return to God. In his perspective, eternal punishment serves as a means of purification and elevation for the soul, rather than a final state. Ibn Arabi believes that God’s mercy ultimately prevails over punishment, leading all creatures toward divine proximity. Allameh Tabatabai (1903-1981), a significant contemporary Islamic scholar, approaches eternal punishment through the lens of justice and human choice. He argues that eternal punishment is a necessary consequence of individuals’ actions and decisions in life. For Tabatabai, it is not a tool for reform but a result of one’s rejection of truth and persistence in wrongdoing. He emphasizes that God’s justice ensures that no one suffers without cause, and eternal punishment reflects the natural outcome of persistent disbelief and moral failure. In summary, while Ibn Arabi sees eternal punishment as a temporary phase in the soul’s journey toward God, emphasizing divine mercy, Allameh Tabatabai views it as a just consequence of human choices, underscoring the importance of accountability. This comparative study highlights the diverse interpretations within Islamic thought regarding punishment and divine justice.
)