An Examination on Sheikh Mofid’s View that the Created World is Material

This essay aims to explain the course of rational development of the Shiite theologians adopting library reference method and critical study of the data. Not only, the author has venerated the academic position and genius of Sheikh Mofid as a pioneer in his method of reconciliation between the faith and reason in theology and the rationalization of matters of faith, but also respected his particular introduction of Shiism as a coherent and independent school of thought separate from other schools. The author has studied his theological principles about the created world considering his idea that the world is material incorrect. He has shed light on the consequences of Mofid’s theory particularly his reliance on the mere rational arguments in order to interpret the apparent meaning of the Qur’an and traditions and also his acceptance of doctrines irreconcilable with his own principles. Thus, the author has gone to challenge Mofid’s arguments for cases such as the corporeality of man’s spirit, the negation of the world of pre-existence “Dharr”, the negation of spiritual blessings of heaven and the metaphorical interpretation of some verses and traditions. Some critical articles have been written on the theologian’s materialistic approach; however, Sheikh Mofid’s opinions have not been inferred from his books and answered one by one and separately, yet. Some suggested answers are new of their kind.