A comparative study of the depth of the good life and the spiritual life from the point of view of Allama Tabatabai and Underhill

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 talibat almustawaa alraabie fi markaz fatimat alzahra' altakhasusi, khiraskan, 'asfahan

2 Assistant Professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Khuzestan

3 Member of the scientific body at the University of Religions and Sects

Abstract

One of the most significant topics in the study of the Qur'an is the concept of the good and spiritual life, as well as how to achieve a happy life. This concept is also evident in the behavior and writings of some Western thinkers. Among the researchers who have explored this field is Mrs. Evelyn Underhill and in the field of Qur'anic exegesis is Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī, both of them are trying to establish a way to reach a good and spiritual life with the aim of gaining proximity to God, but are they both trying with the same effort and the same results? To address this question, the topic "A Comparative Study of the Depth of the Good Life and the Spiritual Life from the Perspectives of Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī and Evelyn Underhill" was examined. The foundation of such a life is pure monotheism (Tawhid), and attaining this state requires a positive response to the innate call of human nature and dedicated effort along this path. The research yielded several key findings, the most significant of which is that the depth of the good and spiritual life is not the same. This is because the foundations and methodologies of Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s approach differ from those of Mrs. Evelyn Underhill. Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī follows the path of religion, while Mrs. Underhill follows the path of love. Religion differs from mysticism and spirituality, even though love and affection constitute elements of religion. Although Underhill’s approach was not irreligious, it was neither comprehensive nor ideal.  This study employed a library-based methodology, analyzing and critically evaluating the available information through description, analysis, and critique.

Keywords

References

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Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 3, Issue 9 - Serial Number 9
December 2024
Pages 45-65

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