The Difference between Divine Power and Human Power (As Viewed by Avicenna, Algazel and Mulla Sadra)

Abstract

Every wise man knows that power is one of his ideal perfections. However, he believes that he is unable to do everything. Although there are no grounds for comparing the limited power of human beings against the unlimited power of God without whose permission no human being is powerful, an explanation on this subject will further reveal the greatness of God's power and will lead to a better understanding of a human's complete dependency on the Supreme Being. Hence, the authors of this article aim to draw a comparison between divine power and human power based on three different philosophical schools, including Al-Masha Wisdom, Ash'ari Theology and Transcendent Wisdom, as viewed by Avicenna, Algazel and Mulla Sadra, respectively. Undoubtedly, all three Muslim scholars regarded God as the ultimate perfection, the Almighty, free of any defects, inabilities or weaknesses. Nevertheless, human power is separate from his essence and cannot be described by those qualities attributed to God. In contrast, Avicenna and Mulla Sadra considered God's power as His very essence, whereas Algazel considered that as a separate quality from His essence. In this paper, each viewpoint will be discussed individually. The authors have attempted to juxtapose the ideas from both sides and at the same time, matching them together.