The Effects of the Idea of Incarnation (al-Hulul) in Shiah

Abstract

The idea of incarnation (al-hulul) which is a repudiative trend in the Shiah sects is examined in this article. Shiah tradition has a complex structure, which there are so many discussions have been made on its name, foundation, branches and thoughts. For this reason in the etymological analysis part of the article, Shiah s lexical and technical meanings are examined. Under the title of Shiah's Branches; while citing the ideas belonging to Islamic scholars about the sects' subgroups, the stress is made on the sects that have the idea of incarnation and their places in Shiah. A short information has been given on Zaidiyyah, Imamiyyah, Galiyyah which are determined as three main branches of Shiah by Kalam scholars. After bringing light on the term of Rafidi which is used generally in the works written on Shiah, sources of the main thoughts which affect Shia are scrutinized. Moreover in the part of Shiah and incarnation (al-hulul), it is aimed to determine Shiah sects' thoughts which are affected by this view. It is hoped that by this work which aims to find out repudiative trends which affect Islamic faith deeply, the important gap will be completed in the area of Kalam.