ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Discursive Theology Volume 1 Lesson 4: Order in the Universe and Knowing God One of the rational – and at the same time, simple and universal – ways of knowing God is to reflect on the order or design in the creation.

This way has been given much importance in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, as this has also been continuously the focus of attention of the theologians ( mutakallimūn ), and in the contemporary period, it has also acquired more significance.[^1] The Definition and Types of Order Naẓm (order or design) is a kind of relationship between two or more things. In naẓm , a relationship or interdependence is established among the parts of a phenomenon or among the members of an entity.

As such, naẓm is inseparable with the principle of causation ( ‘illiyyah ). That is, whenever there is naẓm , the cause-and-effect relationship governs. The cause-and-effect relationship that exists in naẓm is sometimes agent-based and outcome-based at other times.

In the first case, the naẓm is called “cause-and-effect order” ( naẓm-e ‘illī wa ma‘lūlī ) or “agent-based cause” ( illat-e fā‘ilī ) [where the emphasis is on the agent] while in the second case, the naẓm is called “outcome order” ( naẓm-e ghā’ī ) or “outcome-based cause” ( ‘illat-e ghā’ī ).

The relationship between the clouds, wind, and rain, the fineness of air, and the order that exists between them are examples of the first case while the relationship between the cornea, retina, iris and other parts of the eye which are essential for vision is an example of the second case. That is, the organic relationship or order of these parts in a given condition brings about vision or the power of sight. And seeing is the outcome ( ghāyah ) of this special relationship.

There is another type of naẓm which is called naẓm-e istiḥsānī (formal or structural order). This order is caused by a particular composition of the components of a phenomenon or an aggregate and since aesthetic value influences the human being and provides him with a pleasant portrait, it is called formal or approbational ( istiḥsānī ) order.

The difference between the abovementioned types of order is that what is taken into account in the agent-based order ( naẓm-e fā‘ilī ) is that every effect or happening depends on a cause which precedes it and brings it into existence. Whether that cause has self-awareness and willpower or not is inconsequential in the said order.