History of Islamic Philosophy

History of Islamic Philosophy

A Re-reading of Suhrawardi's Religious and Philosophical Approach to the Concept of Light from the Perspective of Blumenberg's Metaphorology.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohamadreza Asadi 1
seyed peyman naghibi rokni 2
1 Allameh Tabatabaei University
2 Allameh Tabataba'i University.Tehran
10.22034/hpi.2025.543273.1161
Abstract
This study revisits the concept of light in Shihāb al-Dīn Suhrawardī’s philosophy through the lens of Hans Blumenberg’s metaphorology. Its primary aim is to reexamine the notion of light within Suhrawardī’s philosophical system on the basis of Blumenberg’s approach to metaphor. First, the central place and function of the concept of light in Suhrawardī’s writings and his systematic thought are investigated. The dominant linguistic reading of Suhrawardī — situated in the history of rhetoric — is then outlined, followed by an analysis of Mullā Ṣadrā’s interpretation of Suhrawardī. In the section proposing an alternative reading, and drawing on Blumenberg’s metaphorological method, the metaphor of light in Suhrawardī’s philosophy is reinterpreted. This study demonstrates that the prevailing reading of Suhrawardī is beset by shortcomings. Following Blumenberg, light is reconsidered as an absolute metaphor. The absolute metaphor of light performs both theoretical and practical functions: theoretically it operates as a metaphor for rupture and continuity; practically it opens a way for dialogue between traditions. Moreover, in the story of Rostam and Esfandiyār, in the reinterpretation of mythos into logos, and in the figure of the Red Intellect (ʿaql-e sorkh), light appears as the manifestation of human reason in the world.
Keywords
Suhrawardi
Blumenberg
Light
Metaphorology
Absolute Metaphor
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  • Receive Date 25 August 2025
  • Revise Date 16 September 2025
  • Accept Date 16 September 2025