An Analysis of the Meaning of Life and Its Relationship to Salvation in the Thought of Allameh Jafari

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohamad Khazaei ¹

Seyyed Hussein Seyyed Mousavi ²

Vahide Fakhar Noghani ³

¹ Department of Education, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University

² Professor at the Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University

³ Professor, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22067/epk.2025.91538.1435

Abstract

This article examines the meaning of life and its relationship to salvation from the perspective of Allameh Muhammad-Taqi Jafari, one of the leading Islamic philosophers and thinkers. The aim of the study is to elucidate and analyze the deep interconnection between these two foundational concepts in his thought, in which human life is defined as transcending material existence and directed toward perfection and eternal felicity. The methodology of this study is analytical, based on an examination of Jafari’s writings and philosophical positions in which he addresses concepts such as life’s purposiveness, human free will, and their link to salvation. The key findings indicate that, in Jafari’s view, the meaning of life lies in the human being’s conscious movement toward spiritual growth and nearness to God. Salvation, as the final destination of this trajectory, is the outcome of free and responsible human choices made in harmony with one’s divine nature (fiṭrah). Emphasis on rationality and self-awareness as essential means for attaining this goal is among the notable features of his perspective. Ultimately, the study concludes that, in Jafari’s thought, the meaning of life and salvation are inseparable concepts that operate within a reciprocal process: the search for meaning leads the human being toward salvation, and salvation constitutes the ultimate realization of life’s true meaning. This view calls the human being to reflect upon their existential identity and responsibilities.

Keywords

Meaning of Life

Salvation

Allameh Jafari

Spiritual Perfection

Philosophical Anthropology

Responsibility

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).

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