Abstract

Upon the introduction of the theory of the principiality of existence and mentally-positedness of quiddity by Mulla Sadra to the field of thought, the world of Islamic wisdom was so much impressed that thinkers in the field of philosophy tried to interpret and justify even the thoughts and ideas of early philosophers in terms of this theory. Suhrawardi, one of the most distinguished Muslim philosophers, was no exception in this regard. There have been numerous views as to whether he advocated the principiality of quiddity, light, or existence. Some maintain that he was an advocate of the principiality of quiddity, and some argue that he was a proponent of the principiality of light.Nevertheless, none of the above theories is in complete conformity to his discussions. Therefore, considering the point that at the time of Suhrawardi, the problem of principiality was not as prevalent as it was in Mulla Sadra's time, the question is whether Suhrawardi's principles are more consistent with the principiality of existence or the principiality of quiddity? His words about light can be compared to and matched with similar discussions in the Transcendent Philosophy on existence and demand some analysis. On the other hand, he has also propounded some ideas concerning existence. Through paying attention to them and searching for similar cases in Mulla Sadra's words, on can grasp a clearer view of the quality and quantity of this conformity. Moreover, Shaykh al-Ishraq has some ideas that refer to the principiality of quiddity, such as believing in the mentally-posited nature of existence and the madeness of quiddity. The writers of this paper have deliberated over these ideas and tried to examine and analyze their different dimensions. Finally, they conclude that Suhrawardi's ideas are more consistent with the principiality of existence