Analysis of Naser Khosrow’s Cosmological Ideas

The main issue of this study, which was conducted with a descriptive-analytical method, was the critique and analysis of Naser Khosrow's cosmological ideas and the search for its origins. In Naser Khosrow’s view, the world, which consists of top-down levels, is divided into two main parts: the spiritual world and the physical world. The levels of innovation, general intellect, and general soul are located in the spiritual world, while the physical world is comprised of the six levels of hyle, general nature, body, planets, the fourfold natures, and the birth. The creation is purposeful and occurs through innovation. From the matter of truth arises the general intellect and from the general intellect arises the general soul, which is the mastermind of the universe and mediator of the transmission of the benefits of the general intellect to the lower levels. The hyle is the shadow of the general soul and from the view point of the general soul, in its shadow, the general nature emerges. The body is a substance, which has length, width, and depth. The planets and the celestial bodies are also the instruments of the general soul in the creation of the lower level universe and its governance. The fourfold elements of soil, water, wind, and fire establish the pillars and from their composition with the fourfold natures emerges the ternate of births. Human being is the last stage of existence and the aid of the general soul in reaching to the world of intellect and his (man’s) contentment is dependent on the teachings of Nātiq and Imam with the efforts of other levels of the Ismaili religion, which has a high position in the world system. The roots of some of Naser Khosrow's cosmological beliefs can be traced to the Greek scholars’ views and the works of Ismaili thinkers, such as Abu Ya'qub Sajestani and Hamid al-Din Kermani.