Theological Issues in the Words of the Two Imams al-Askari (peace be upon them)

An Analytical Study

Abstract

Submission date: 07 / 04 / 2026

Acceptance date: 09 / 06 / 2026

Publication date: 30 / 06 / 2026

This research addresses some of the doctrinal issues discussed by the two Imams al-Askari (peace be upon them) in response to inquiries from their companions. These issues pertain to the true meaning of divine unity (tawhid al-ildi) and the extent of knowledge regarding the essence and attributes of the Divine Being. The research attempts to analyze these issues from a theological perspective, drawing upon the opinions of some Imami theologians in particular. To avoid broadening the scope of the research to encompass general doctrinal matters, it was deemed appropriate to limit it to the knowledge they (peace be upon them) imparted concerning the Divine Being. Hence, the title is as previously stated.

The research is divided into an introduction, two main sections, and a conclusion. The introduction defines the position of the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) on theology (kalam) and the outcomes of debates within its various branches. The first section defines tawhid (monotheism), its levels, and related theological issues, such as defining the true unity of the Divine Being and denying the possibility of knowing its essence. The second section addresses tawhid al-sifat (the unity of attributes), negating what cannot be attributed to God Almighty and affirming what can be attributed to Him in terms of essential and active attributes. It was observed throughout the research that most of these issues were presented as written questions on theology, and their answers were also written—according to what has been narrated. Unfortunately, however, these were transmitted orally by narrators and did not reach us—or even the era of the compilation of hadith books—through a physical, documented source of the original correspondence.

Finally, the conclusion and findings of the research are presented.