The Concept of Inception from the Perspective of the Scholars of the Hilla School

Abstract

What does the methodological difference between the scholars of the Hilla School and their predecessors in explaining, proving, and defending doctrinal teachings imply, especially regarding the concept of inception? The answer to this question becomes apparent only through a careful examination of what the famous theologians of the Hilla School have detailed and by comparing their views with those of other prominent theologians. This study aims to clarify the Shiite doctrinal developments concerning the concept of inception within this school.
The comparison revealed fundamental differences in the general idea of inception and the issue of its occurrence, especially regarding the Imamate of Isma'il Ibn al-Imam al-Sadiq (Pace be upon him), among the scholars of al-Hilla School and other Shiite theological schools. Most scholars of this school do not address reports indicating the attribution of inception to Allah. They also do not observe the transformation of inception into the doctrine of abrogation. Additionally, they do not explain the nature of inception and its transformation into abrogation at all. Some scholars did not mention the report of inception in the Imamate of Isma'il Ibn al-Imam al-Sadiq (Pace be upon him), while others directed attention to this report and had specific interpretations.