Principle of Al-Zati La-Yo’allal (Self-evident essence does not need proof) in View of Imam Khomeini

Abstract

The principle of Al-Zati La-Yo’allal (Self-evident essence does not need proof) is one of the important philosophical doctrines which falls into three philosophical rules. This paper intends to review Imam Khomeini’s analysis of this principle with a glance at the lexical connotation of the word Zati. In view of Imam Khomeini “an essence needless of proof”, the core concept of this principle, is an essence coming from logical reasoning rather than accidentality. Indeed, Imam Khomeini is of the opinion that “an essence needless of proof” is a truth inseparable from inherent essence whether it is imbedded in inherent essence (Isagoge essence) or detached but associated with it. Imam Khomeini continues with explaining about why self-evident essence does not need proof, i.e. he argues “an essence needless of proof” through logical reasoning. Therefore, paying attention to his precise opinion on this principle can help answering many philosophical, theological, etc. questions. Apparently, Imam Khomeini has underscored this point that since it is imperative to carry self-evident essences and attributes of essence on essence itself, and because any attribute affixed to its subject is needless of proof, the self-evident essences and attributes of essence do not need proof at all, hence any question on its proof shall be meaningless.

Keywords

• essence
• accidental
• isagoge
• imam khomeini
• logical reasoning