The attribute of kalam in the context of the divine essence-attribute relationship: The case of Seyfüddîn Amidî

This study examines the position of Âmidî, one of the Ehl-i Sünnet theologians in the müteahhirîn period, on the attribute of kalam and how he shaped the discussions of kalamullah. The views of the sects about any of the attributes of Allah are not separate from their understanding of the divine essence and attributes. For this reason, the first part of this study, which be formed of two parts, consists of the attitudes of the sects about the divine essence and attributes (zât-sıfat) and the ways of proof. In the second part, the sects' views on the attribute of kalam and the methods of proof are discussed. The differences in interpretation are discussed from Âmidî's point of view in both chapters. In this context, at the first part, the reasons for the emergence of the attribute debates and the reasons for the dissidences among Muslims are mentioned. Then, how Islamic philosophers interpreted the relationship between essence and attributes in line with their theories of existence, knowledge and nafs is examined. Then, the views and arguments of Mu'tazila, Shia, mucessime, musebbihe and Ehl-i Sünnet theologians about divine attributes are discussed. Finally, Âmidî's views on the essential (zâtî) attributes of Allah, the arguments he used, and his criticisms of the arguments of the sects that had opinions on this subject prior him are examined. The second part begins with the reasons for the emergence of the kalamullah debates, the creation of the Qur'an, whether kalamullah can be heard or not, and the nature of the kalam (word). Later, the views of the sects about the attribute of kalam are conveyed. Finally, Âmidî's answers to arguments of those who reject the attribute of kalam completely and accept this attribute as hâdis (temporal) are given. In the eyes of Âmidî, the importance of the distinction between kalam-i nafsî (interior speech) and kalam-i lafzî (literal speech) attract attention. Because he meticulously deals with the arguments that try to prove that the attribute of kalam is a hâdis. After these criticisms, the original arguments used by Âmidî to prove the divine speech and its eternity are taken into consideration.