Al-Mutakallimūn’s Theory of Continuous Creation: Its Reality, History and Doctrinal Implications

Abstract

This research demonstrates the reality of Al-Mutakallimūn’s(scholars of the science of substantiating the dogmas of faith by mental reasoning) belief that no accident remains for two times, for Allah creates the accident in the essences and substances, then He exterminates it in its second case of existence. After that, He re-creates it in the following time; and so forth. Thus, in their creed, creatures are in a state of constant change, while their essences remain invariable, and this is known as Continuous Creation. This is one of the famous beliefs of Al-Mutakallimūn, and consequent of this belief are some false corollaries, including, that man lacks the ability to act, that nothing causes anything, that the soul dissolves once the body does and ceases to exist after death of the body, and that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is a messenger and prophet as long as he was alive, but not after his death.