The Subject-Predicate Transposition (‘Aks al-Haml) in Mulla Ṣadra’s Doctrine: A Historical Foundation Analysis

Document Type : Original Research

Author

Assistant Professor in the Department of faculty of Theology and Islamic StudiesUniversity of Tehran

Abstract
The analysis of The Subject-Predicate Transposition (‘Aks al-Haml) of simple helliyya propositions structures the proposition “Man is existent” (al-insān mawjÅ«d) in the form of “This is the existence of man” (inna-hu wujÅ«d al-insān). Generally, this transposition is articulated by referencing Mulla á¹¢adra’s doctrine of the Primacy of Existence (aṣālat al-wujÅ«d). In this article, I will demonstrate that: Firstly, historical roots—largely stemming from textual interpretative disputes—paved the way for Mulla á¹¢adra to propose this theory. Secondly, in formulating this theory, Mulla á¹¢adra is compelled to adopt numerous foundational principles from DawānÄ« amidst the polemic between DashtakÄ« and DawānÄ«, including the Law of Attribution and Relation (qānÅ«n al-ittiṣāf wa-l-nisba), the Expanded Attribution (ittiṣāf mutawassi‘), the Separation of the (Sphere/Diathesis) of Attribution from the of Realization of Attribution, the Types of Attributive Correspondence of Predication (anwā‘ muṭābaqat al-haml), and the Derivative Rule (qā‘idat al-far‘iyya) arising from the Expanded Attribution. Thirdly, taking into account these historical foundations and juxtaposing numerous texts from Mulla á¹¢adra, a more precise interpretation of this theory will be offered.

Keywords

Subjects

Volume 6, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 1001-1023

  • Receive Date 07 January 2026
  • Revise Date 07 June 2026
  • Accept Date 07 June 2026
  • Publish Date 21 April 2026