Evolving Creation: An Ismaili Muslim Interpretation of Evolution
Journal Article: Zygon Journal of Religion & Science: New Frontiers in Islam and Evolution Vol 57 Issue 2
Abstract: This article presents a constructive Shīʿī Ismaili Muslim engagement with Neo-Darwinian evolution. By drawing on Ismaili metaphysics and hermeneutics, I argue that Ismailis can affirm evolution without exceptions due to four features of contemporary and historical Ismaili thought. First, Aga Khan III (d. 1957), the 48th hereditary Ismaili Imam, integrated Neo-Darwinian evolution with his theological views. Likewise, the present Imam Aga Khan IV (b. 1936) teaches that there is no conflict between Islam and scientific truth because God's creative act is eternal and continuous. Second, Ismaili Neoplatonic metaphysics is compatible with evolution because it situates all natural processes as guided by the Universal Soul without a need for miracles. Third, the common descent of all life lends further support to the Ismaili belief in an unbroken lineage of hereditary Imams since the origins of life on earth. Fourth, the Quranic story of Adam's creation poses no hermeneutical issue because Ismaili scholars read the Adam story symbolically through esoteric exegesis (ta'wīl).
Author: Dr. Khalil Andani
Link to Full Paper: Academia.edu
Uh huh. God is so good, he created dangerous animals and food chain based on predation and murder. How about you put that the book down and start using your brain interpret what you see. Even if Allah did make us, it doesn't mean he is not an asshole.
On p.10 of "Evolving_Creation_An_Ismaili_Muslim_Inte.pdf", it states:
"Through humanity, the Universal Soul produces human souls that resemble it and share in its telos. Every human soul is created to strive toward spiritual perfection in knowledge and virtue by becoming an image of the Universal Intellect; this process enables the Universal Soul to achieve its own perfection. In the words of the Ismaili philosopher Nās.ir-i Khusraw (d. ca. 1088): “The [Universal] Soul is the architect of corporeal world and it is the Soul which started the movement of this world. The purpose of that activity which it develops is the search for perfection and this is attained in the eminent persons who appear in this world…The object of its producing this world was to produce souls in order that in them the Soul would become perfect.” (Khusraw 1949, 49).2 Thus, the corporeal world is a locus of manifestation of the Universal Intellect produced and continuously governed by the Universal Soul through the mediation of Nature; the corporeal world with its ordered behavior is “intellectual benefits corporealized” (al-fawā’id al-ʿaqliyya al-mujassama) or “embodied intellect” (ʿaql mujassam) (Walker 1993, 92). Every level of being in the cosmic hierarchy functions as a limited reflection of the level superior to it: the corporeal world and human souls reflect the Universal Soul; the Universal Soul reflects the Universal Intellect; and the Universal Intellect is the receptable of God’s creative command. Stated differently, the corporeal world and human souls are “within” the horizon of the Universal Soul; the Universal Soul is “within” the Universal Intellect; and the Uni versal Intellect is circumscribed by God’s command (Walker 1994, 53). reflected within the limits of each level. The Brethren of Purity describe this cosmogony as follows (Ikhwān al-S.afā’ in Ebstein 2013, 49):
The Word of God (kalimat Allāh) is continuously connected to [the world], reinforcing it with abundance (ifād.a) and benevolence in order that it be complete and continue existing. [The Word] begins its flow (fayd.ihā) through its unification with the First Originated Being (al-mubdaʿ al- awwal), the Active Intellect, then, through the mediation of the Intel- lect, [the Word reaches] the Universal Soul, the passive intellect; then through the mediation of the Universal Soul, [it reaches] Prime Matter; then, through the mediation of Prime Matter, the Absolute Body."
The search for perfection as purpose for The [Universal] Soul is problematic as perfection has no absolute state. Perfection is a continuously moving target. What is not possible today may become possible tomorrow. Perfection does not evolve as it is simply an ideal from one moment to the next serving as a measure for consciousness evolution as the only purpose for the self-creating Creation.
Goblet of the Truth (GOTT) Ch.16 p.345 v.6
6) The laws and recommendations of the creation of all things (Creation) are created for the striving towards true love, for the striving towards knowledge and wisdom and for the best possible, moral and virtuous flawlessness (perfection).
GOTT Ch.22 p.383 v.1
1) You human beings, you are part of the universe with its immutable, eternal laws and recommendations of the Creation in which a purpose for existence is also determined for you, the sense of the life which is given in the relatively highest possible evolution of the consciousness.