A critical re-reading of Orientalists' readings of innerency in Imamiyyah thought with an emphasis on the issue of predestination and free will.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 faculty member of the university of Qom

2 the university of Qom

10.22091/jptr.2026.15641.3536

Abstract

The present study, with an analytical-critical approach, examines the research of orientalists on the subject of determinism and freedom in inerrancy using analytical, critical and comparative methods. By systematically distinguishing between determinism and freedom in "inerrancy from sin" and "inerrancy from error, oversight and forgetfulness" on the one hand and distinguishing between determinism and freedom in "reaching the station of inerrancy" and "the action of the inerrant in the shadow of inerrancy" on the other hand, it assesses the extent to which their research conforms to the common view of Imami theologians. The findings of the study show that Donaldson, McDermott, Schmittke and Madelung have been able to present a relatively correct and clear picture of the common view of the Imami. In contrast, some orientalists such as Hollister, Moojan Momen and Pinault have implicitly provided the basis for a deterministic interpretation of the behavior of the Masumin (AS) by providing an incomplete explanation of the concept of inerrancy. The incorrect analysis of the free will of the Masumin (a.s.) is due to a lack of understanding of how inerrancy continues. Donaldson mentions the Majlisis view but neglects to present the final conclusion and his independent opinion

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Journal of Philosophical Theological Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 July 2026

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