المعنى الاصطلاحي

Infinite matters whose existence depends on the existence of other matters.

الشرح المختصر

"Tasalsul" (infinite sequence) is a term that does not exist in the Qur’an or Sunnah; other derivatives, however, are mentioned. "Tasalsul" is a general term introduced by scholastic theologians to refer to the order of infinite matters although the linguistic meaning in the Arabic language does not mean infinity or endlessness. On the contrary, the linguistic examples given in this regard indicate that things are finite. "Tasalsul" is divided into three categories: First category: Impossible sequence which involves the causes and the doers, meaning that there is a doer for the doer, and another doer for the first doer, and so on ad infinitum. This type of regression is invalid based on sound reasoning and the agreement of intellectuals. Another invalid regression is the absolute effectiveness of the cause, e.g. saying that a created thing must have a created cause, and this cause must have a created cause. Second category: Possible sequence that occurs in the actions or consequent effects, such as a created thing being contingent on a previously created thing, and this thing depends on a previous one, and so on and so forth. This type of regression applies to the created matters, and scholars differed about its validity providing three opinions: First: The scholars of the Sunnah and Hadith and the outstanding philosophers said that it is absolutely possible. However, Muslim scholars, adherents of other religions, and all various intellectuals held that everything other than Allah is created and has come to existence after it was nonexistent, whereas philosophers believe that the universe has no definite beginning. Second: Al-Jahm ibn Safwaan and Abu al-Hudhayl al-‘Allaaf said that it is not possible, neither in the past nor in the future. Third: The majority of the followers of Al-Jahm and Abu al-Hudhayl from Al-Jahmiyyah, Al-Mu‘tazilah, Al-Ash‘ariyyah, and those who agree with them said that it is possible in the future, but not in the past. Third category: Inevitable sequence that is proven by the Shariah and by reason, such as continuity of Allah's actions, and that whenever the bliss of the dwellers of Paradise comes to an end, Allah will create for them another bliss that has no end. This also applies to the sequence of Allah's actions from eternity, and precedence of every action by another one. Allah, our Almighty Lord, never lacked perfection in terms of His Speech, Will, and Action.

التعريف اللغوي المختصر

"Tasalsul": sequence, succession, interlocking, and extension. The term is derived from an Arabic root which means sequence and succession of things that are interlocked and coordinating. "Salsalah", another derivative of the term, refers to two or more things that are interlocking.

التعريف

Putting in order some unending matters.