Fitrah: Man’s Natural Disposition

by Murtada Mutahhari

In Fitrah: Man’s Natural Disposition, the late Shaykh Murtada Mutahhari offers a profound and philosophically rich exploration of one of the central concepts in Islamic anthropology — the innate nature of the human being. Drawing upon Qur’anic verses, rational arguments, and Islamic philosophical traditions, Mutahhari delves into the idea that every human is born with a pure, God-given nature — fitrah — that inclines them towards truth, morality, and recognition of the Divine.

What distinguishes this work is Mutahhari’s unique ability to synthesise classical Islamic theology with contemporary intellectual challenges. He discusses fitrah not merely as a theological concept but as a lens through which to understand the moral and spiritual potential of humanity. In doing so, he engages with questions of secularism, materialism, and existentialism, offering fitrah as a natural anchor in a world of competing ideologies.

A major strength of the book lies in its clarity and philosophical depth. Mutahhari explains complex ideas in a way that is accessible without being simplistic. He shows that despite external influences, the human soul has an intrinsic yearning for transcendence, justice, and meaning — qualities that cannot be suppressed indefinitely.

For Shia Muslims, this book is particularly significant as it echoes the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (as) on human dignity, moral accountability, and the role of divine guidance in nurturing the soul’s innate potential. It provides a powerful framework for understanding man not as a fallen creature in need of salvation, but as a dignified being whose default state is one of orientation towards God.

In an age where identity and values are increasingly shaped by external forces, Fitrah stands as a timely reminder that the key to moral clarity and spiritual growth lies within the very essence of our creation.