Interpretation of the Traditions of ‘Knowing Allah by Allah’ in Kuleyni, Sheikh Saduq and Allameh Majlesi’s View

The religious texts, while stating various ways for knowing God, have introduced a way called ‘knowing Allah by Allah’. For instance, Amir al-Muʾmenin (Imam Ali) has been quoted as saying, ‘know Allah by Allah…’ In interpreting this hadith, Kuleyni, Saduq and Majlesi have written materials that seem to face some challenges. In Kuleyni’s interpretation of this hadith, there are two possibilities: one is negative and purifying interpretation, and the other is interpretation based on similitude while purifying. Sheikh Saduq seeks to present an interpretation based on the ‘unity of divine actions’ and the longitudinal (hierarchal) system of the universe. Majlesi also states numerous expositions for this hadith and regards as the best among them the evidence leading to knowledge. Some of these views are defective in their content, and some others, disregarding the fact that they interpret these hadiths, state a correct and right point but cannot be considered as an interpretation for these hadiths. This study is seeking to use an analytical-descriptive method to investigate the views of those three great scholars of tradition in this regard. Investigating this issue is important because it clarifies the point that doctrinal discussions and items of knowledge expressed in the Shiite religious texts require scrutiny and deep thinking, and even great scholars may err in this regard.