The book Divine Knowledge in the Mystical and Sadraean Tradition by Seyyed Ahmad Ghaffari Qarabagh is a profound and systematic study of one of the most intricate theological and philosophical topics in Islamic thought: divine knowledge. The author adopts a comparative approach, examining and contrasting the perspectives of Islamic mysticism (particularly Ibn ʿArabī and his followers) and Mullā Ṣadrā's Transcendent Philosophy. Organized into six chapters, the book analyses the ontological, epistemological, and hierarchical aspects of divine knowledge from both mystical and Sadraean viewpoints. Among the most significant strengths of this work is the author's precise comparative analysis. With a masterful command of primary mystical and philosophical texts, the author adeptly highlights the commonalities and distinctions between the mystical and Sadraean traditions. Furthermore, the book exhibits profound theoretical depth, as the author meticulously examines concepts such as the “unity of the knower and the known,” “gradation of existence,” “presential and acquired knowledge,” and the “hierarchies of divine knowledge,” grounding the analysis in rigorous and well-documented references. The book's methodological structure is also noteworthy, featuring a logical organization and well-designed chapters that guide the reader step-by-step through complex topics. Additionally, the clear and articulate philosophical language is highly effective; despite the conceptual richness, the author employs a lucid and accessible style, making the work valuable for an academic audience. Among the primary weaknesses of this work are the following: First, the complexity of the topics may pose challenges for non-specialists, as the book can feel difficult and unfamiliar to readers without prior knowledge of Islamic philosophy or theoretical mysticism. Second, there is a lack of practical conclusions; while the analyses are profound, the connection to contemporary issues or comparisons with other philosophical schools is underexplored. Finally, the heavy reliance on classical sources is notable, as the work primarily focuses on traditional texts and engages less with modern perspectives or contemporary critiques. Overall, one of the standout features of this work is its emphasis on the idea that Transcendent Philosophy not only synthesizes philosophy and mysticism but also takes a step further, achieving a more precise and systematic articulation of mystical concepts. Additionally, the exploration of the relationship between divine knowledge and human free will, along with responses grounded in Sadraean principles to the problem of determinism and free will, as well as the critical comparison of the perspectives of al-Suhrawardī, Avicenna, Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī, and Mullā Ṣadrā on the issue of divine knowledge, collectively establish Divine Knowledge in the Mystical and Sadraean Tradition as a valuable contribution to the fields of Islamic philosophy and mystical studies. This book can serve as a key academic and research resource for students and scholars in these areas. While it may be challenging for general readers, it offers profound and original insights for its specialized audience. The work is highly recommended for students and researchers of Islamic philosophy, theoretical mysticism, and Islamic theology.
Moslem Tahiri (Mon,) studied this question.