Abstract:
Abdul Karim bin Abi al-Awja is one of the individuals known as a Zindiq in the second century AH/eighth century AD. Without fear, he appeared in the holy centers of Muslims and expressed his beliefs. His dialogues with Imam Sadiq (AS) and his disciples demonstrate the method of reasoning used by Ja'far bin Muhammad (AS) with those who did not believe in a Creator. In addition to stating the beliefs and path of Ibn Abi al-Awja, this article examines his dialogues with Imam Sadiq (AS).
Machine summary:
Zarrinkub, in one book, has considered him a Manichaean, who differ greatly from the Zandaqa of the pre-Islamic Arabs[18], and in another of his books[19], he has stated that Ibn Abi al-Awja was apparently a Zindiq of the type of Ahl al-Majun [Majun and Majin are said of someone who has no fear of what they do and what is said about them.
[24] Ibn Abi al-Awja's beliefs, considering the discussions he had with Imam Sadiq(as) — which we will proceed to discuss below — are closer to this group.
The Imam(as), by objecting to this view, said: God's power is manifest in nature, and Ibn Abi al-Awja will find His power by referring to himself, and His existence is seen in creation, death, aging, joy, anger, and other states.
With this statement, the Imam showed that he was not seeking the truth but was engaging in argumentation, and he said something that he had also used to start the discussion with Ibn Abi al-Awja in the first session the previous year: "If the truth and the outcome of the matter are as you say - provided that it is not so - then we both will be victorious in the hereafter.
[48] One of Ibn Abi al-Awja's questions to the Imam(as) was about the different types of death among people.
Under the names Muhammad bin Abi al-Awja, see: Ismail bin Umar ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, edited by Ali Shiri (Beirut, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1408), vol.
121; he has also been called Nu'man bin Abi al-Awja, see: Ibn al-Nadim, Al-Fihrist, translated and edited by Muhammad Rida Tajaddod (Tehran, Amirkabir, 1366), p.
Jalali "Ibn Abi al-Awja", Great Islamic Encyclopedia, vol.
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