Human Concept According to Mullā Ṣadrā and Its Contribution to the Modern Spiritual Crisis

Abstract

The background of this research departs from the reality of the humanitarian crisis in the modern era characterized by materialistic behavior, the decline of ethical values, and spiritual alienation. Previous studies of human philosophy have discussed many aspects of axiology and anthropology, but there is still a gap in offering a comprehensive philosophical-spiritual solution by referring specifically to the synthesis of Mullā Ṣadrā’s Islamic philosophy. The purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of human in the perspective of Mullā Ṣadrā’s Islamic philosophy and its contribution as a solution framework for the problem of contemporary spiritual crisis. This research uses a qualitative method with library research, focusing on the analysis of primary texts such as Ḥikmah al-Muta‘āliyah, and supported by related secondary sources. The results of the study indicate that humans in Mullā Ṣadrā’s view are dynamic entities consisting of the soul (nafs) and the body, where the soul undergoes a gradual process of existential perfection through substantial movement (al-ḥarakah al-jawhariyyah). The process of soul transformation towards perfection (al-insān al-kāmil) is carried out through soul cleansing (tazkiyah al-nafs), the acquisition of knowledge—especially metaphysical knowledge about God—and spiritual practice in the four spiritual journeys (al-asfār al-arba‘ah). The conclusion of the study confirms that Mullā Ṣadrā’s thoughts are not only relevant but also become an ontological foundation for an educational character that is able to overcome the spiritual crisis of the younger generation, so that it can function as an alternative solution in answering today’s existential problems.

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