Explanation of Mutahari's reading of the relationship between Evolution and Theism

Document Type : Scientific-research

Author

Islamic Studies Department, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.

Abstract

The theory of evolution encountered various challenges within the Western intellectual and philosophical tradition. In the Islamic world, theologians adopted affirmative, negatory, and interpretive approaches. Mutahhari considered the most significant issue in the science-religion discourse to be the "principle of evolution" and the "principle of Theism." Employing a rational-philosophical approach and drawing on religious and philosophical concepts and terminology, he offers a distinctive explanation. According to him, divine unity does not necessitate creationism, nor does the transformation of species inevitably lead to materialism. Instead, their relationship must be clarified through logical and philosophical analysis, recognizing any perceived conflict as illusory. He attributes the root of this conflict to medieval philosophical thought, the inadequacy of Western philosophical concepts, and misinterpretations of religious texts. To resolve this tension, Mutahhari introduces the symbolic nature of revelation’s language in the narrative of Adam’s creation, distinguishes between the linguistic frameworks of science and religion, and references various formulations of the conflict. Employing an analytical-descriptive approach and drawing on Mutahhari’s philosophical, religious, interpretive, historical, social, ethical, and methodological premises, this article identifies the roots of the conflict-oriented perspective. It demonstrates the absence of a logical necessity linking theism with creationist theories or materialism with evolution, while emphasizing the dependence of evolutionary principles on supernatural and divine factors in the process of creation.

Keywords

References

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The Mirror of Knowledge
Volume 25, Issue 3 - Serial Number 84
September 2025
Pages 87-104

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