Atomism: Definition, Etymology, and Background
Definition and Meaning
Atomism, in Islamic theology, is a theory embraced by both Sunni and Shii scholars. It suggests that the fundamental constituents of the world are atoms and accidents. Atoms are the indivisible, eternal entities forming the essence of all material bodies. Accidents, meanwhile, are transient properties or states (such as motion, color, or life) that reside within these atoms. Fascinatingly, while atoms exist continuously, accidents are created anew by God’s will at every instant.
Etymology
The term “atomism” derives from the Greek word “atomos”, meaning “indivisible” or “uncuttable”. In the Islamic context, the Arabic word “juz” is often used, which also represents “part” or “particle”.
Background and Historical Context
Islamic atomism emerged as a part of Kalam, or Islamic theological discourse, becoming prevalent during the Abbasid Caliphate (8th to 13th centuries). One of its primary proponents was the 9th-century thinker Al-Ash’ari, who sought to counteract Hellenistic philosophies and uphold a framework that underscored God’s omnipotent role in the constant creation of the universe.
Historical Facts and Dates
Islamic scholars pursued atomic theories to reconcile faith with reason, crafting sophisticated arguments to demonstrate how every moment in creation relies on God’s will. This perspective helped bridge scientific inquiry and religious scholarship, peaking in the intellectual centers of Baghdad and Al-Andalus.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the specifics vary among school interpretations, Sunni and Shii traditions converge on the principle that nothing transpires in the natural world without direct divine intervention—a concept diverging from independent natural laws favored in some Western atomic theories.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
Synonyms:
- Juz’ (جزء)
- Particle Theory
Antonyms:
- Continuum Theory
- Necessitarianism
Related Terms:
- Kalam (كلام): Islamic theological discourse aiming to explain and defend the principles of faith.
- Occasionalism: The philosophical doctrine that asserts God’s intervention is necessary for any causal interaction.
Exciting Facts
- Some theologians in the Shii tradition, particularly the Mu’tazila, developed intricate atomistic theories to challenge deterministic and fatalistic doctrines.
- Atomism was not just a theological stance but a model influencing the development of various sciences such as physics and chemistry in the medieval Islamic Golden Age.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The doctrines of the Ash’ariyah affirm that God’s creative activity consists not in issuing a decree from all eternity, but in continually exercising Himself to produce the world.” — Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
Suggested Literature and Further Reading
- “Islamic Theological Atomism” by Alnoor Dhanani
- “The Foundations of Islamic Theology” edited by Richard M. Frank
- “The Theology of Al-Ash`ari” by Richard McCarthy
For comprehensive understanding, refer to the original treatises by prominent theologians like Al-Ash’ari and Al-Ghazali.
Inspirational Farewell
“Embrace the belief that every moment and every particle reflects the intricate will of the Divine. In studying atomism, we acknowledge life’s profound essence wherein God’s boundless creation continually manifests around and within us.”
— Yusuf Ibn-Hasan, October 2023
