Abstract

A study of Mulla Sadra's method of interpretation reveals that he considers Ta'wil to be a method based on three elements: revelation, rational analyses, and purification of the soul. Mulla Sadra's genius lies in the fact that he combines these three elements, which lead to a single truth, with each other and removes their apparent inconsistencies with the aid of ta'wil.He has frequently emphasized that the basic condition in ta'wil is being in agreement with the Book and Sunna, so that both testify to its being true. Otherwise, the ta'wil will be absurd and sinful and nothing but idle talk and blasphemy.