Existential Ascension: A Philosophical Explication of the Elevation of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) Based on Ṣadrian Wisdom

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Master's student, Islamic Philosophy and Wisdom, Shahid Motahari University, Mashhad, Iran

2 Master's student of Islamic Philosophy and Wisdom, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

The philosophical and demonstrative clarification of the nature of the ascension of Prophet Jesus is among the most important theological and philosophical discussions in Islamic thought. Regarding the matter of his ascension, at least four distinct viewpoints have found adherents: purely corporeal ascension, purely spiritual ascension, and a corporeal–spiritual ascension, which itself bifurcates into two perspectives—one posits the body as material, while the other considers it to be imaginal. The Holy Qur'an explicitly denies the killing and crucifixion of Jesus. On the other hand, based on rational and philosophical foundations, the ascension to supra-natural realms with a material and elemental body is metaphysically inconceivable and inconsistent with necessary ontological principles. Therefore, upon examining these views, it becomes evident that the position affirming a spiritual ascension accompanied by an imaginal body provides the most coherent and accurate interpretation. If the ascension is to the imaginal world, and if the meaning of “above” refers to a realm beyond the physical domain, and if the soul ascends with an imaginal body, then the nature of this ascension requires a precise philosophical explanation to resolve the ambiguities and to fill the existing gap in the rational account of the matter.

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References

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  • Receive Date: 24 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 September 2025

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