Ibn Taymiyyah on Creation Ex Materiawas one of the most influential scholars of Islam and is known for his deep theological and philosophical contributions. Some of the most notable discussions he had involved creation ex materia, a doctrine which questioned the classical creatio ex nihilo (creation out of nothing). His stance on the issue touches upon existence, the attributes of Allah, and the relationship between the Creator and creation.
In this article, we explore Ibn Taymiyyah’s stance on creation ex materia, analyzing his arguments and their implications within Islamic thought.
What Does Creation Ex Materia Mean?
Creation ex materia is the concept that creation is achieved by using pre-existing material rather than being brought into existence out of nothing. This concept then implies the existence of some sort of matter or substance that always existed beside the Creator as a premise for the act of creation.
This view stands sharply in contrast to the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo, which asserts that Allah created everything from absolute nothingness. The latter is an accepted doctrine in Islamic theology, for it resonates with the Qur’anic affirmation that Allah is the single originator of all existence.
Ibn Taymiyyah’s Argument Against Absolute Nothingness
In terms of philosophy, Ibn Taymiyyah denied that absolute nothingness has been comprehensible coherently. From a philosophical perspective, something must always be given as a basis or even only a potentiality by Allah’s will and power so that there exists something. Nothingness in itself cannot be used to establish existence.
In his opinion, the claim that Allah creates from nothing is self-contradictory: how can something emerge from a state of absolute non-being? For Ibn Taymiyyah, Allah’s creation is an act of transformation or actualization, not the production of something from a void.
The Eternity of the Universe’s Essence
While Ibn Taymiyyah accepted the absolute beginning of the physical universe, he suggested that some “essence” or potential for creation has always existed as part of Allah’s eternal decree. This fits into his broader understanding of Allah’s attributes and His continuous activity in creation.
He did not say anything about matter being an independent entity apart from Allah but that the creative process per se involves a transformation of a preordained “reality” formulated by Allah Himself. Therefore, whatever potentiality or matter existed previously solely depends on Allah and in no way reduces His absolute sovereignty.
Relating to Qur’anic Teachings
Critics often say that the view of Ibn Taymiyyah is against the creatio ex nihilo doctrine, which according to the Qur’anic book. Ibn Taymiyyah reconciled his stance by using an emphasis on the eternal, independent will of Allah in the Qur’anic book, and he said that there is nothing in the Quran saying it is from “absolute nothingness” but rather emphasizes His power to create and sustain all things.
For Ibn Taymiyyah, a concern with Allah’s power and ceaseless activity of creation rather than the metaphysical nature of the materials related to creation should be given central attention.
Key Arguments Supporting the Concept of Creation Ex Materia
Logical Consistency:
As for Ibn Taymiyyah, existence cannot spring up from absolute non-existence. An essential substrate is needed with regard to creation, though an utterly dependent one on Allah.
Allah’s Immutable Decree:
He averred that Allah’s knowledge and will are immutable. As such, the possibility of creation has always been before Allah’s decree.
Continuous Creation:
Ibn Taymiyyah stressed that creation was not a one-time creation but an ongoing process. This lends credence to the notion that Allah continuously transforms and sustains creation.
Implication of Ibn Taymiyyah’s Opinion
1. Relationship Between Creator and Creation
Ibn Taymiyyah’s perspective highlights the intimate and ongoing connection between Allah and His creation. Unlike the deistic notion of a Creator who sets the universe into motion and then withdraws, Ibn Taymiyyah’s view underscores Allah’s active role in sustaining and transforming existence.
2. Rejection of Dualism
While some people interpret the creation ex materia as a duality concept, which refers to the coexistence of two eternal entities, Ibn Taymiyyah totally negated the idea. Any pre-existent matter or potentiality, in his view, is purely contingent upon the will and power of Allah.
3. Theological Depth
His method increases the theological depth of Allah’s creative powers. He moved the interest from the “mechanism” of creation to the divine wisdom and omnipotence ruling the whole process.
Criticism and Controversies
His opinion on the creation ex materia was highly controversial among scholars both in his time and later generations. Detractors argued that his views were not only at variance with the theological consensus but could even jeopardize the doctrine of Allah’s absolute sovereignty.
However, the supporters of Ibn Taymiyyah saw his arguments as a sophisticated attempt to reconcile theological principles with philosophical reasoning. They praised his willingness to engage critically with complex issues and offer a coherent alternative to prevailing doctrines.
Modern Relevance of Ibn Taymiyyah’s Perspective
In the modern world, advancements in science and philosophy add new dimensions to debates on creativity and the nature of existence. Ibn Taymiyyah’s thoughts are significant contributions to Muslims who are facing debates on these issues, providing an ideological framework that balances the needs of faith and reason.
His emphasis on Allah’s continuing creative activity resonates with cosmology theories in the present universe, which describe the latter as dynamic and constantly changing.
Conclusion
Ibn Taymiyyah’s position on creation ex materia is a bold and nuanced approach to the understanding of Allah’s creative power. He challenged the absolute nothingness notion and redefined the creation discourse in light of divine omnipotence and the continuous nature of creation.
Though controversial, his thoughts give one the opportunity to go deeper into the relationship of the Creator with creation. This work is, therefore a perfect journey for those interested in learning about Islamic theology and philosophy regarding creation.
Read more: A Commentary on al-Ajrumiyyah By Muḥammad Muḥi al-Din ibn Abd al-Ḥamid’s
