Reza Pouresmaeil

One of the topics discussed since ancient times, especially among theistic thinkers, is the relationship between God and creatures. Mystics and philosophers have each explained this relationship according to their own ontological foundations. However, a novel theory has emerged termed the "existential interpenetration of God and creatures". Unlike mystics, this theory posits a real existence for contingent beings, yet asserts that this real existence does not occur in a realm separate from the existential realm of Almighty God. God's existence, while present in all realms of being, does not contradict the real existence of creatures; God interpenetrates their existential realms, much like light passing through glass where both the light and the glass co-exist in the same space. Thus, God's infinite and boundless existence encompasses the real existence of contingent beings without limiting the divine essence. This article reviews the rational and scriptural arguments presented to prove this theory, and subsequently provides rational and scriptural counter-arguments to refute it. The paper seeks to demonstrate that, contrary to the claim that interpenetration does not harm the infinite nature of the Necessary Being, assuming any real existence for contingent beings inherently limits the Necessary Being. For the reasons discussed, the Necessary Being cannot interpenetrate with the real existence of contingent beings. By proving the impossibility of existential interpenetration, the author concludes that there is no alternative but to accept the argument of mystics and Mulla Sadra regarding the personal unity of existence.