A Study of the Unity of the Divine Essence and Attributes from the Perspective of Ibn ʿArabi and Mulla Sadra

The theory of the unity of the Divine Essence and Attributes is an intellectual and rational doctrine supported by philosophical and theological arguments within the framework of doctrinal knowledge. It is grounded in theological evidence and is regarded as one of the most noble foundations and highest expressions of tawḥīd (Divine Unity). This study examines the mystical approach and epistemological principles established by Ibn ʿArabi in his foundational teachings. These principles constitute the fundamental assumptions of mystical inquiry upon which he constructed his diverse intellectual and spiritual doctrines, relying on the path of unveiling (kashf) and inner witnessing (shuhūd).On this basis, Ibn ʿArabi opened a new epistemological path in his era for attaining knowledge of the Divine Essence and Its supreme attributes, making it the foundation of his theory of the Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujūd). Following this trajectory, Mulla Sadra incorporated these insights into philosophical discussions concerning the hierarchy of existence, causality, the negation of quiddity (māhiyyah), and the principiality of existence (aṣālat al-wujūd). In doing so, he affirmed the unity of the Divine Reality and the identity of the Divine Attributes with the Divine Essence. Drawing upon the existential foundations developed by Ibn ʿArabi, Mulla Sadra transformed them into metaphysical truths reflecting the attributes of God and His Divine Names throughout the manifestations of existence.In examining the theories of both the philosopher Mulla Sadra and the mystic Ibn ʿArabi, this study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology. The research concludes that Mulla Sadra’s philosophical doctrines are significantly grounded in Ibn ʿArabi’s theory and arguments concerning the unity of the Divine Reality in both Essence and Attributes, without admitting any real multiplicity or duality between them. Mulla Sadra substantiates this position through philosophical, mystical, Qur’anic, and theological reasoning.