Elements of Plotinian Ideas in the Thought of Ibn Sina in Relation to Some Attributes of the First Cause

Discussion about God's Attributes, the nature of it and the reason why it is such a controversial topic is one of the serious concerns in the two areas of kalam and philosophy. This problem takes on a more serious form in theology in specific term; because on the one hand this discussion relates to the subject of models of creation and on the other it makes clear the concept of God for believers. Muslim philosopher Ibn Sina has dealt with this discussion with both concerns in view and in this respect treats the matter like plotinus the influential Western philosopher. So when we speak of the models of creation in the theory of emanation the names of Plotinus from the West and Ibn Sina from the East immediately comes into mind. This article tries to show that in the explanation of Ibn Sina's theory of emanation which attributes are applicable and in its Plotinu's model which attributes are not allowed to be used and how for Ibn Sina has been influenced by Plotinian model in the problem of emanation and ascription some of the attributes to God. By investigating some of Farabi's beliefs and convictions as a medium for transmission some of Plotinian concepts to Ibn Sina it becomes clear that despite general similarities between Plotinus and Ibn Sina on some of the attributes of the first cause and the model creatures emanate from him there are fundamental difference between these two philosophers which its example is Ibn Sina's justification of the theory of emanation is based on the ascription of attributes of intellect, existence and life to God that Plotinus in his theory has avoided to speak about them.