The Theory of Fitrah (Innate Nature) and Its Functions from the Perspective of the Philosopher of Fitrah

Fitrah is one of the main fundamental discussions in the Holy Qur'an and the most basic discussion of Islamic teachings; such that it has been called "omm al-Masa'il" (the mother of the matters) in the perspective of Martyr Motahhari; and "fitrah" is titled as the most crucial matter of Islamic teachings. The importance of "fitrah" can be simply shown, according to his perspective, considering that he regards "the logic of fitrah as the foundation of Islamic teachings" and believes the word "fitrah" has not been used before the Holy Qur'an and is peculiar to this Holy Book. The question now is what is the "theory of fitrah" in the works and ideas of professor Motahhari, what is its position and functions? This question is answered based on the theoretical bases and the oral-written references by professor Motahhari using an analytic-descriptive method on the one side, and an explanatorycritical method on the other side. The results of this article are as follows: 1- The theory of 'fitrah' is Motahhari's conceptual-cognitive basis in all the different fields of theology, philosophy of science, religion in its main principles and the ancillaries of faith, or the major, middle and the minor jurisprudence [which refers to the main beliefs, ethics and commandments respectively], the eternity of ethics and commands, mozaf (determined) philosophies such as philosophy of history, philosophy of ethics, philosophy of human rights, philosophy of religion, and …. 2- 'Fitrah' has a special conceptual change in its literal and terminological meanings, in comparison with nature and 'gharize' (instincts), and has a basic and foundational difference with 'seresht' (temperament) which has made unique characteristics and tendencies for it; 3- 'Fitrah' has exceptional cognitivespiritualistic or scientific-practical functions and applications in different levels of human's perfection.