Document Type : Original Article
Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Theology and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
Abstract
This study examines the theological challenges arising from the consequences of sin—both ontological and conventional—within the cosmic order (encompassing both this world and the hereafter), with emphasis on Al-Mizan exegesis by Allameh Tabataba’i. The consequences of sin are categorized into two domains: individual (poverty, hardness of heart, shortened lifespan, forgetfulness, unanswered prayers, inclination toward atheism, eternal punishment, and loss of spiritual state) and social (natural disasters, drought, inflation, sudden deaths, family disputes, and social corruption). Using a descriptive-analytical method and focusing on Al-Mizan, four theological challenges are addressed: the apparent conflict between divine penal laws and human free will, the incompatibility of collective consequences of sin with divine justice, the tension between the consequences of sin and divine mercy, and the challenge of reconciling the consequences of sin with divine wisdom. The findings indicate that these challenges can be resolved through a proper explanation of theological concepts and by reference to the immutable divine traditions, the organic unity of society, and the wise divine order. Thus, these consequences (ontological and conventional) are not only consistent with human free will, divine justice, mercy, and wisdom, but also aligned and harmonious with them..
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