Beliefs of the Imamiyah in Mirza Ahmad Ashtiani's Kalām: An Investigation Based on Lavāme-Al-Haqāyeq fi Osul-Al-Aqāyed

This article is concerned to introduce Mirza Ahmad Ashtiani, one of the Imamiyah theologians of the last century, consider his works and intellectual sources, and present the Imamiyah beliefs from his vantage point, showing his way of advancing arguments for these beliefs. Therefore, his Kalām books and particularly his Creeds based on the Lavame-Al-Haqayeq fi Osul-Al-Aqayed have been considered and the outcome has been presented as a detailed account of Lavame. This account includes within itself two other points: first, some explanations or complementary points of Mirza Ahmad in his more detailed theological works, especially his book entitled Leader's letter; secondly, some points from other works for clarification or consummation; for example, as regards monotheism and resurrection, his important views have been traced back and the original thinkers of the views have been introduced with reference to their books. This article shows that Mirza Ahmad Ashtiani like many contemporary theologians is prima facie a follower of Mulla Sadra's school of philosophical theology.