Question No. 3109 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

Does Imam Ali’s Supreme Tawhid Transcend Mystical Knowledge of Divine Unity?

Primary reference: See the answer text 22 views 23 explanatory notes and annotations

Verified answer Documented and evidence-based

Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3109

A page on the Master’s knowledge of tawhid

Greetings again,
#1
The answers given by Professor Saei are, on the one hand, highly illuminating, but on the other, rather hasty and lacking in consideration of other relevant evidence. More important than whether the story of the arrow being pulled from Imam Ali’s (AS) foot is authentic is his supreme knowledge of tawhid, as far as human capacity allows. Perhaps nothing can explain or shed light on this pure tawhid better than the supplications and some of the sermons attributed to the Imams. How much better it would have been to draw out the three dimensions of Imam Ali’s (AS) tawhid from the lofty teachings of the prayers, intimate devotions, and profound sermons of the Prophet’s Household, and to steer the discussion towards the truth at its heart.

That is why I am reluctant to question the authenticity of the hadith: the real issue goes far beyond such stories. But given that it has become a basis for understanding...

Subject category: Ahl al-Bayt and Islamic History Theology and Creed Critique and review

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

To describe Imam Ali (AS) as a knower of tawhid is not to exalt him; it is to diminish his station. He is «عَيْبَةُ الْعِلْم», «مَعْدِنُ الْعِلْم», and possesses a rank of knowledge that is divine in origin. The Infallibles are repositories of divine knowledge and sources from which sacred teachings flow; within their ranks, the Master holds a singular place.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

If we call the Imam’s tawḥīdic knowledge the highest form of tawḥīdic knowledge, we have not merely failed to honour his tawḥīdic stature—we have diminished it. Why? Because to call someone whose station is that of divine knowledge a knower is to wrong him.

We know that each of the Imams is “the repository of knowledge, the source of knowledge, the ocean of knowledge…” and possesses a station of divine knowledge far beyond that of a servant of God.

Each of the Imams is a locus of divine gnosis: they are where the truths of divine knowledge and gnosis unfold. Yet the Master’s station among them is uniquely exalted. Of the Imams, it has been said: “the very locus of the knowledge of God.”

The Imams are the pillars and supports of tawḥīd, and the flame in the hearts of those who affirm God’s oneness burns bright through the warmth of their very being.

نحن ارکان توحیده

Beyond all these descriptions, the reality of the Imams’ being is a locus of the divine names: the sacred names “the One, the Unique,” and others. In other words, the Imams are the tawḥīdic names of the Lord of the worlds.

The conclusion is that no limit can be conceived for the Imams’ station in tawḥīd.

Did you find this answer illuminating? Your feedback helps us refine our responses and organize future sessions.

Audio attachment: This question currently has no audio file; the answer is provided in written form, with supporting arguments.

Does Imam Ali’s Supreme Tawhid Transcend Mystical Knowledge of Divine Unity?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Related questions