The Philosophical Foundations of the Theory of Fiṭrah (Innate Disposition)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mansour Imanpour

Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan

10.22067/epk.2024.87180.1318

Abstract

One of the central discussions in the field of religious studies is the concept of fiṭrah—the innate disposition of human beings. According to this doctrine, the essence of the human being possesses a divinely designed structure from the very beginning of creation, endowed with an inherent inclination and awareness toward certain theoretical and moral truths. On the basis of this primordial capacity, man becomes the subject of education, cultivation, and divine guidance. The key question addressed in this study is whether the theory of fiṭrah can be rationally established and justified through philosophical principles. Using a descriptive–analytical method, this article argues that several philosophical doctrines may provide a rational foundation for the theory of fiṭrah. Among these are the principle that every temporal occurrence, including the act of learning, is preceded by its own inherent potentiality and prior preparedness, the doctrine that existence is graded (tashkīk al-wujūd), and the notion that the human soul is a divine breath. Based on these principles, the human identity is understood to possess a pre-existent preparedness suited for encountering and embracing religious truths. According to the doctrine of gradation, this preparedness is accompanied by a level of desire and awareness proportionate to the individual’s ontological rank; and as a divine emanation, the soul bears a distinctive form and content. Consequently, man, by virtue of this innate constitution, becomes capable of receiving divine instruction and stands as the addressee of the prophets.

Keywords

Fiṭrah

Temporal Occurrence

Gradation of Existence

Divine Breath

Religion

Subjects

• Islamic Philosophy and Kalam

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Authors retain the copyright and full publishing rights. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).