The Circle Genealogy of Sheikh al-Ishraq Eternal Dough and the Genealogy of Suhrawardi

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

The present article critically examines three distinct interpretations regarding the foundations of Illuminationist philosophy (Ḥikmat al-Ishrāq) and the intellectual lineage of its progenitor, Sheikh al-Ishrāq (Suhrawardī). While each perspective acknowledges Suhrawardī as a reviver of earlier wisdom traditions, they tend to construct a linear historical narrative that traces his intellectual heritage back to his predecessors. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that Suhrawardī's relationship with this wisdom transcends mere educational transmission, defined by a direct and personal motivation sourced from an exceptional origin. At the heart of Suhrawardī's philosophical framework lies the concept of "eternal dough" (Khamireh Azali), which encapsulates a circular understanding of time and eternity, reminiscent of the intrinsic relationship between the radii of a circle and its center. This circularity within his thought facilitates the synthesis of mysticism insights and historical connections, thereby affirming the immediate relationship of mystics with the Divine and the comparative lineage of philosophers. Suhrawardī’s methodology integrates both intuitive and historical dimensions, positing that his philosophical lineage transcends mere linear progression and instead manifests as a complex network of insights emanating from a central source of wisdom. Consequently, the intuitive essence of Illuminationist philosophy necessitates this distinctive mode of knowledge acquisition, thereby distinguishing it from conventional historical interpretations. This exploration invites a reevaluation of the epistemological foundations of Suhrawardī's thought and underscores the intricate interplay between intuition and tradition in the development of Islamic philosophy. The roots of wisdom lie deep, intertwining with the branches of intuition.

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References

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 19, Issue 53 - Serial Number 53
Articles
Issue 53, Winter 2026
December 2025
Pages 787-804

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