Fitrah- Man's Natural Disposition

by Morteza Motahhari, Mansoor Limba (Translation)

" Man's Natural Disposition" is a translation of the Persian book "Fiṭrat" by the great Muslim thinker and reformer, Ayatollah Murtada Mutahharī. "Fitrah" is the theme of a 10-session lecture series given by the martyred thinker in 1976-77. With ample citations from the Qur'an and other traditional Islamic sources, Mutahhari discusses the concept of 'fitrah' or man's natural disposition. The author does not confine himself to Islamic references as he continuously engages with the views of a wide range of philosophers including Plato, William James, Russell, Nietzsche, Marx, Feuerbach, Auguste Comte, Spencer, Will Durant, and Durkheim, among others. Mutahhari's ontological discussion covers a range of issues, including the literal and technical meaning of 'fitrah', sacred inclinations, love and worship, and the evolution of human originality. He also examines materialism and provides a theistic approach to some issues pertaining to the theories on the origin of religion, the evolution of human society, intrinsic and acquired guidance, and intuitive and sensory dispositions.
This book lays a significant interconnected and deep foundation in Islamic theology and an understanding of human psychology, sociology and anthropology fully supported by the holy Quran, ahadith, logic and philosophy. The reader will leave with a holistic understanding of Islam and a true connection with the Almighty (SWT) through one own self.

262 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2021

About the author

Morteza Motahhari (Persian: مرتضی مطهری) was an Iranian Twelver Shia scholar, philosopher, and lecturer. Motahhari is considered to have an important influence on the ideologies of the Islamic Republic, among others. He was a co-founder of Hosseiniye Ershad and the Combatant Clergy Association (Jāme'e-ye Rowhāniyat-e Mobārez). He was a disciple of Ruhollah Khomeini during the Shah's reign and formed the Council of the Islamic Revolution at Khomeini's request. He was chairman of the council at the time of his assassination.

Reviews

[Fatima Abou-Abdallah]

It is easy to live life according to the world's opinion; but the great live life in the midst of it all but, acknowledge their intrinsic right.
 
Allāh (س) gave us the agency to attract perfection and reject imperfection; it is innate to be repulsed and loathe over anything that is displeasing, distressful, and uncomfortable.
 
We love and adore our spouse because we love and adore Allāh (س). We strive to gain the acceptance and approval of our friends because we have unwavering energy that wants to be accepted and approved by Allāh (س). We reject injustice because He (س) is The Utterly Just.
 
It is a God-given tendency and ingrained within to move towards Allāh (س) and only Him. To do otherwise is simply a means towards self-destruction. When we refuse and work against that which we have been endowed to seek, we fall ill, addicted, and cancerous.
 
To be great and to be healthy, we must understand the energy that runs within. We must understand what to do and how to channel it correctly.

[Muhammed al-Kadhimi]

Great book, especially beginning and middle, but the later ending chapters became focused on anthropology while I more interested in the theology / epistemology of the fitra/religion. Nonetheless a great enjoyable book!