This book provides a comparative study of the accounts of the relationship between essence and existence, which are provided by Sadra and Hegel respectively. Sadra is presented as having a project that is similar in scope to Hegel's own.

The author argues that while Sadra shares with Hegel the latter's rejection of essence as the positive quality of a determinate being, Sadra's characterization of essence as the negative quality of a determinate (existent) is seen as too one-sided from Hegel's perspective. This book would be primarily useful for Hegel scholars, scholars of Islamic philosophy, and those who are engaged in comparative philosophy.

Kamal Abdul Karim Shlbei obtained a PhD in Philosophy from Duquesne University in the USA. He is currently a scholar in residence at Simon Silverman Phenomenology Center, Duquesne University. His current research interests focus on the metaphysical relationship of essence and existence in its historical context from Greek philosophy, through medieval philosophy, to modern and post-modern philosophy.