The Light of Emanation in Suhrawardī

Abstract

The theory of light and illuminationism is an extension of peripatetic philosophical system, where mind is excessively used in matters of theology. As it is known, peripatetic philosophy has restricted God's will, action and creativity. Hence philosophy of Illuminationism has come into play as an effort to broaden horizons of thought that was stuck between schools of theology and peripatetic scholars. The theory of emanation of existing was based on New Platonic model. The philosophy of Illuminationism put lights that emanate from light of lights instead of minds. The concept of light has a deeper and more comprehensive meaning than minds in Peripatetic philosophy. Compared to other concepts, with inspiration of lights existence was explained more clearly. So, does Suhrawardī‘s [1154-1191] philosophy of cooperation exactly match with theory of emanation in peripatetic philosophy, which adopts principle of the one and only? Philosophers constrained getting out of malady and envisioning by vertical plane. Likely, they made will of first malady that created beings unfounded. Is equivalent of will left unfounded in peripatetic philosophy same in illuminationism philosophy? First of all, light comes out; it cannot be restricted by vertical plane, but also spreads to horizontal plane. In philosophy, one can come to dichotomy between obligatory and possible. Considering excellence will to do whatever is regarded as one of attributes of creator, this meaning is actually far from being a sign. Does Suhrawardī object to philosophers on this issue and how does he come out of problem of beyondness in connection of unity of individual and multiple beings?