Sh. Shabbir al-Lawati | Ilm al-Kalam, Philosophy & Divine Simplicity | The Purified Truth Podcast #3

In this episode, Hassan al-Qadri sits down with Shaykh Shabbir al-Lawati to delve into the rich and intellectually rigorous tradition of ʿIlm al-Kalām—Islamic theology. Together, they unpack essential questions surrounding this discipline: What is ʿIlm al-Kalām, and how does it differ from philosophy? Is it truly based on Greek philosophical foundations, as some critics argue? Why is this science so crucial for understanding and defending Islamic beliefs? The discussion also covers the various theological schools (madhāhib) such as the Ashāʿira, Mātūrīdiyya, Zaydiyya, Ibāḍiyya, Salafiyya, and Ḥanābila, exploring their approaches and doctrinal distinctions. Central theological issues are addressed, including: The tension between textual and rational evidence The principle of rational moral realism (al-Ḥusn wa-l-Qubḥ) and its implications Theodicy: How can we believe in a just God in a world where evil exists? The podcast also navigates complex metaphysical questions such as the Doctrine of Divine Simplicity (DDS) within Shiʿi theology, including: Whether the Imāmiyya affirm DDS The challenges of modal collapse and reconciling divine freedom with simplicity How God's timeless essence aligns with the Qur’ānic portrayal of creation occurring at a specific moment This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in Islamic theology, philosophy, and the rational foundations of faith. Subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with deep, meaningful conversations on theology, philosophy, and Islamic thought. Important note: We would also like to apologise for some audio issues that can be noticed by the viewers during various points throughout the podcast. It seems that technical issues arose during the recording that could not be fixed; due to the faultiness of certain microphones and the way they were wired. #ilmalkalam #shia #podcast 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:50 What is ʿIlm al-Kalām? 00:05:45 Differences and Similarities Between ʿIlm al-Kalām and Philosophy 00:12:10 Reliance on the Qurʾān and Sunna 00:17:30 Burhān Innī vs. Burhān Limmī 00:25:31 Argumentation in ʿIlm al-Kalām 00:34:25 Eternity of the World (Qidam al-ʿĀlam) 00:38:11 Influence of Greek Philosophy on ʿIlm al-Kalām 00:48:46 The Importance of Studying ʿIlm al-Kalām 00:56:36 Major Schools of Thought in ʿIlm al-Kalām 01:05:27 Contradictions Between Textual and Rational Proofs 01:22:38 Rational Moral Realism (al-Ḥusn wa-l-Qubḥ) 01:42:31 Consequences of Rejecting Rational Moral Realism 01:48:06 Responses to Objections Against Rational Moral Realism 02:03:11 The Problem of Evil 02:19:04 Trials, Tribulations, and Divine Wisdom 02:28:26 Returning to the Problem of Evil 02:35:53 The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity (DDS) 02:38:43 Reconciling DDS with God’s Free-Will 02:50:36 His Attributes Are Identical to His Essence (Ṣifātuhu ʿAyn Dhātihi) 02:55:03 Objections to the Philosophical Approach 02:59:49 How to Study ʿIlm al-Kalām 03:04:57 The Role of Logic in Kalām 03:05:55 Outro