Ontological Guardianship in Hillah A Study of Sayyid Haydar Al-Amuli’s Theory and its Comparison with the Perspectives of Theologians and Sadrian Philosophers

Abstract

This research explores the theory of ontological guardianship (wilayah takwiniyyah) as presented by Sayyid Haydar Al-Amuli (d. 878 AH), its foundational principles, and a comparison with the views of philosophers and theologians. The concept of ontological guardianship of the prophets and imams (peace be upon them) is grounded in the relationship between God Almighty and His creation. Accordingly, the study focuses on the epistemological underpinnings of Al-Amuli’s theory and its consequent implications.
Using an analytical and descriptive approach and a detailed examination of Al-Amuli’s scholarly legacy, it becomes evident that he sought to pave the way for the realization of ontological guardianship within humans through the principle of self-determination aligned with an essence capable of multiplicity. Notably, differences emerge between his perspective and the Sadrian philosophical theories. In the philosophical causal system, the guardian (wali) acts as a mere instrument of action, where authority is seen as a trust, based on divine ownership. In contrast, Al-Amuli perceives the guardian’s authority as stemming from his own sovereignty and as someone annihilated in the Divine, where his will becomes that of God’s. This stance diverges from theologians who argue for an independent human will and from philosophers who view human will as a continuation of Divine will.