An Inquiry into Mulla Sadra’s views on Fiqh and Shari’a

As a law-abiding philosopher, Mulla Sadra has dealt with different aspects of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). Having stated the four meanings of fiqh, he specified his views about the technical meaning of fiqh, the subject matter, the benefits, and necessity for learning fiqh and its differences from the discipline of religious doctrines (theology). Mulla Sadra is among those who necessitate devotion to Islamic laws, holding that reason fails to comprehend the grounds of religious rulings thus its involvement in fiqh incorrect. Religious rulings, in his view, are legally and rationally confined in five legal categories depending on typical interests or evil consequences all of which go beyond the grasp of reason. Mulla Sadra argues that fiqh and practicing religious duties is a prerequisite for acquiring true knowledge i.e. knowing God; reaching this level of purity of soul and true faithfulness owes to the fulfillment of legal duties.