Criteria and Preferences of the Proof of the Truthful in Mulla Sadra's and Allama Tabatabae's Versions

The proof of the Truthful for the existence of God was introduced to philosophical discussion by second Teacher, al-Farabi. Different formulations of the proof were given after him. In some of these versions there are fewer premises while in others more premises and assumptions are needed to obtain the desired conclusion. The question is which argument can be regarded as proof of the Truthful. What is the criterion? Of different versions of the proof which one is more preferred? Mulla Sadra and Allama Tabatabae have offered different versions of the argument. The present argument is to make a comparison of these versions, focusing on two criteria of the proof: that it is “seemingly propterquid” and “identity of the Way and the End”. The article is also considers four preferences “not-based-on vicious circle and absurdity of infinite regress”, “simplicity and briefness” “convergence with scriptural evidences in meaning and content” and “invocation of Divine Attributes after the proof of the Essence”. It authors conclude that this proof of the Truthful is not conceptual but based on unveiling. Of the conceptual versions Allama Tabatabae’s is more precise and perfect.