Emanation of plurality out of Unity in the Ontological view of Abu Hamed Ghazali and Ain al-Quzat Hamedani

There are various viewpoints on the levels of creation and issuing the plurality of unity in the history of Islamic thoughts. Among them, Abu Hamed Ghazali and Ain al-Quzat Hamedani, despite their discrepancies with Islamic Peripatetic Plotinus in the theory of Emanations and oneness (Al-Vahed) principle, keeping theoretical aspects, tried to solve the problem through illuminations perspectives and with the discussion on light and manifestation. The present study implemented a comparative-analytical methodology to investigate the ontological view of Ghazali and Ain al-Quzat in issuing the plurality of unity. The findings represent that the concept of the Great Soul in the ontological system of Ain al-Quzat has similarities with Mutaa in Abu Hamed Ghazali's view. The Great Soul and Mutaa refer to a divine order responsible for creation and world regulation. Both viewpoints are examples of Mohammad’s light which is the first manifestation of Nour al Anwar (light of lights). Ghazali focused on its true knowledge aspect and Ain al-Quzat on its ontology. Although Mutaa and Great Soul have similar nature to the First Intellect of Islamic Peripatetic since their relations to God is like the relation between light and the source of light, they lack true existence and agency. Therefore, rejecting the linear and sequential order of creation, both thinkers raised the view of stewardship or the coexistence of the creator with creatures.