Comparative study of Freedom in Martyr Mutahhari and Sartre

Freedom is one of the most important human values, which has been in the center of controversies of thinkers including martyr Mutahhari whose thought has had a great influence in shaping contemporary Islamic culture. Sartre on the other hand is among contemporary existentialist thinkers whose works had great impact on many intellectual domains. Given that both thinkers have been deeply interested in human existence, it is especially important to consider their views on the question of freedom and their common and different apects of proplem. Using the descriptive-analytic method the authors attempt to review materials found in the works of both thinkers. The research led to conclusion that both them emphasize on the freedom as human value and a ground for responsibility. However, there are also many fundamental differences in their views. For instance, Sartre is the only human value and intrinsic perfection that is in conflict with the existence of God and of other values. Such view on freedom separates human from the reality of himself, of the Origin and the Return and picture human as utterly autonomous in all his affairs while he has no dependence upon any principle or law. Freedom in the eyes of Mutahhari, by contrast, makes sense only in relation to the efficient and final causes of man. According to Mutahhari any devotion to and dependence upon anything other than God, the Exalted, is in conflict with freedom. Real and true freedom comes only through dependence upon and devotion to God who is source of all existence and values. In his view, without God who is the Ground of such values as freedom and justice, humanity and related values lose their proper meanings.