The Function of Contemplating Death in Depicting the Virtuous Life (al-Ḥayāt al-Ṭayyibah) Based on the Exegeses of al-Manār and al-Mīzān

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 phd

2 استادیار دانشگاه ادیان و مذاهب

10.22034/ntt.2026.3565.1195

Abstract

چکیده (Abstract):

This research, focusing on the perspectives of ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī in al-Mīzān and Rashīd Riḍā in al-Manār, examines the central role of "death contemplation" in shaping the paradigm of "the virtuous life" (al-Ḥayāt al-Ṭayyibah). The core question of this inquiry is how differing conceptions of death delineate distinct models of the ideal religious life. The study employs a comparative-conceptual analysis method, proceeding through a systematic extraction of data from the aforementioned exegetical texts. The findings reveal that within ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī's intellectual framework, death contemplation serves an ontological-cognitive function; death acts as an "existential taste" (dhawq wujūdī) and a "bridge for transcendence," actualizing the virtuous life at the individual level as "the assured soul" (al-nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah) and "proximity to God." In contrast, Rashīd Riḍā attributes an ethical-social function to death contemplation; the remembrance of death acts as "a restraint against caprice" and "an impetus for reform," manifesting the virtuous life in the form of "ethical living" and a just "social order." Ultimately, this research argues that this contrast reflects not a contradiction, but rather two complementary dimensions within Islamic thought: "inward spiritual journey" (sulūk) and "outward social responsibility." Reviving this dialogue can lead to a more dynamic rereading of the "virtuous life" paradigm in addressing the spiritual and social challenges of the contemporary world.

Keywords

New Theological Teachings

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 April 2026

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 09 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 23 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics