Essays in Philosophy and Kalam

Essays in Philosophy and Kalam

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

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).

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Essays in Philosophy and Kalam
Volume 57, Issue 2 - Serial Number 115
Autumn & Winter 2026
February 2026
Pages 59-74

  • Receive Date 07 March 2024
  • Revise Date 01 July 2024
  • Accept Date 02 October 2024