University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 21 Revelatory Rationality and a Note Revelatory Rationality and a Note 1 6 106227 10.22059/jpht.2026.106227 FA Journal Article 2026 03 02 https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_106227_78e63472c3521b99af5d3389c7ce4067.pdf

University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 02 Divine Goodness and Human Suffering: A Comparative Study of Philosophical Approaches of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi and Plantinga to the Problem of Evil Divine Goodness and Human Suffering: A Comparative Study of Philosophical Approaches of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi and Plantinga to the Problem of Evil 1 15 105700 10.22059/jpht.2026.398533.1006134 FA Shahabuddin Vahidi-Mehrjardi Department of Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Theology, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran Mahboobeh Ariaeifar Department of Islamic Philosophy and Wisdom, Faculty of Theology Meybod University, Meybod, Iran Journal Article 2025 07 14 This study adopts an analytical–comparative approach to explore the perspectives of Allameh Mesbah and Alvin Plantinga on the problem of evil, particularly its logical dimension. It aims to clarify how Plantinga’s defense of free will may complement Mesbah’s interpretation of divine wisdom and the ontological significance of evil. Plantinga conceives evil as the consequence of human free choices, thereby emphasizing moral responsibility in confronting it. Conversely, Mesbah regards evil as an inherent element of the cosmic order—a necessary means for the realization of goodness and human perfection. The analysis reveals that, despite apparent divergences, their views converge at crucial points and are mutually illuminating. Both philosophers assign a central role to human agency in addressing evil and strive to reconcile its existence with divine attributes. The study argues that a comprehensive understanding of the problem of evil requires integrating Plantinga’s ethical perspective with Mesbah’s metaphysical view of evil within the system of existence. This synthesis not only mitigates superficial contradictions but also contributes to a deeper comprehension of life’s meaning, suffering, and human moral responsibility. This study adopts an analytical–comparative approach to explore the perspectives of Allameh Mesbah and Alvin Plantinga on the problem of evil, particularly its logical dimension. It aims to clarify how Plantinga’s defense of free will may complement Mesbah’s interpretation of divine wisdom and the ontological significance of evil. Plantinga conceives evil as the consequence of human free choices, thereby emphasizing moral responsibility in confronting it. Conversely, Mesbah regards evil as an inherent element of the cosmic order—a necessary means for the realization of goodness and human perfection. The analysis reveals that, despite apparent divergences, their views converge at crucial points and are mutually illuminating. Both philosophers assign a central role to human agency in addressing evil and strive to reconcile its existence with divine attributes. The study argues that a comprehensive understanding of the problem of evil requires integrating Plantinga’s ethical perspective with Mesbah’s metaphysical view of evil within the system of existence. This synthesis not only mitigates superficial contradictions but also contributes to a deeper comprehension of life’s meaning, suffering, and human moral responsibility.

https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_105700_83c85e46e5bf8d18ac45e3ecbae6c24f.pdf

University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 02 Hierarchical Pluralism in Shams Tabrizi’s Maqalat Hierarchical Pluralism in Shams Tabrizi’s Maqalat 17 30 105699 10.22059/jpht.2026.400870.1006142 FA Mohamad Reza Mahdavi Karnaq Department of Philosophy and Islamic Wisdom, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Research, Imam Khomeini International University (RA) Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran Mohammad Javad Shams Department of Philosophy and Islamic Wisdom, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Research, Imam Khomeini International University (RA) Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran Journal Article 2025 11 04 This study presents a descriptive-analytical examination of the concept of pluralism concerning religious truth and salvation as articulated in Shams Tabrizi’s Maqalat. We argue that Shams’ perspective, shared by many Muslim mystics, embodies a hierarchical pluralism, wherein exclusivist and inclusivist tendencies operate alongside pluralism, rather than in contradiction to it. Contrary to the common contemporary theological interpretation—often aligned with John Hick’s model suggesting the equal intrinsic value of all religions in approaching Ultimate Reality—Shams’ Maqalat presents a layered ontology of truth. In this view, truths are inherently hierarchical; their intensity and proximity to the Source of Creative Light vary across different spiritual paths. Employing analytical methodology based exclusively on Shams Tabrizi’s expressions in the Maqalat, this research demonstrates that in his framework, the approaches of religions toward Ultimate Reality cannot be presumed to hold equal standing. Consequently, Shams’ hierarchical pluralism represents a distinct conceptual departure from the relativistic framework proposed by John Hick. This study presents a descriptive-analytical examination of the concept of pluralism concerning religious truth and salvation as articulated in Shams Tabrizi’s Maqalat. We argue that Shams’ perspective, shared by many Muslim mystics, embodies a hierarchical pluralism, wherein exclusivist and inclusivist tendencies operate alongside pluralism, rather than in contradiction to it. Contrary to the common contemporary theological interpretation—often aligned with John Hick’s model suggesting the equal intrinsic value of all religions in approaching Ultimate Reality—Shams’ Maqalat presents a layered ontology of truth. In this view, truths are inherently hierarchical; their intensity and proximity to the Source of Creative Light vary across different spiritual paths. Employing analytical methodology based exclusively on Shams Tabrizi’s expressions in the Maqalat, this research demonstrates that in his framework, the approaches of religions toward Ultimate Reality cannot be presumed to hold equal standing. Consequently, Shams’ hierarchical pluralism represents a distinct conceptual departure from the relativistic framework proposed by John Hick.

https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_105699_16d97498cb749891c0df1470c1d34ffb.pdf

University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 02 The Relationship between Kierkegaard's Existentialis Thoughts and His Voluntarist Attitude The Relationship between Kierkegaard's Existentialis Thoughts and His Voluntarist Attitude 31 44 105698 10.22059/jpht.2026.403657.1006148 FA Mohammad Hossein Mirderikvandi Department of Philosophy of Religion, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran Alireza Kermani Department of Mysticism, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 19 This study explores the reciprocal relationship between Søren Kierkegaard’s anthropological foundations and his will‑centered, faith‑based philosophy. As the founder of Christian existentialism, Kierkegaard portrays the human being as a dual entity—material and spiritual—endowed with genuine individuality, freedom of choice, and no predetermined nature, yet marked by existential contradiction and anxiety. These features constitute the essential groundwork for his voluntaristic conception of faith: a faith in which reason remains confined to the objective domain, while entry into the religious sphere occurs through a “leap” and an act of voluntary commitment. Conversely, several aspects of Kierkegaard’s anthropology are themselves shaped by his faith perspective, including his emphasis on inwardness and self‑reflection, the suspension of morality and reason before divine revelation, and the reinterpretation of fear as a condition for embracing truths that defy rational explanation. The findings indicate that Kierkegaard’s view of humanity and faith are mutually constitutive, forming an interactive and overlapping relationship that underlies the coherence of his existential philosophy. This interdependence transforms his thought into an integrated system in which anthropology and theology continually inform and sustain one another. This study explores the reciprocal relationship between Søren Kierkegaard’s anthropological foundations and his will‑centered, faith‑based philosophy. As the founder of Christian existentialism, Kierkegaard portrays the human being as a dual entity—material and spiritual—endowed with genuine individuality, freedom of choice, and no predetermined nature, yet marked by existential contradiction and anxiety. These features constitute the essential groundwork for his voluntaristic conception of faith: a faith in which reason remains confined to the objective domain, while entry into the religious sphere occurs through a “leap” and an act of voluntary commitment. Conversely, several aspects of Kierkegaard’s anthropology are themselves shaped by his faith perspective, including his emphasis on inwardness and self‑reflection, the suspension of morality and reason before divine revelation, and the reinterpretation of fear as a condition for embracing truths that defy rational explanation. The findings indicate that Kierkegaard’s view of humanity and faith are mutually constitutive, forming an interactive and overlapping relationship that underlies the coherence of his existential philosophy. This interdependence transforms his thought into an integrated system in which anthropology and theology continually inform and sustain one another.

https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_105698_d112fc62d11d680a19a6588a0196fdea.pdf

University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 02 A Comparative Study of the Principle of Causality in Multiple Universes Theories and Contemporary Islamic Philosophy: Focusing on Ayatollah Misbah Yazidi’s Exposition A Comparative Study of the Principle of Causality in Multiple Universes Theories and Contemporary Islamic Philosophy: Focusing on Ayatollah Misbah Yazidi’s Exposition 45 59 105845 10.22059/jpht.2026.406002.1006160 FA Zahra Habibian Sisters' Seminary, Al-Zahra University, Qom, Iran Mahdi Safaei Asl Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran Journal Article 2025 11 11 This study investigates the principle of causality as a fundamental concept in epistemology and ontology, which faces significant challenges within multiverse theories—including possible, impossible, and parallel worlds—where causality is often reduced to mere physical or mathematical relations. While previous research has predominantly focused on Western models, this paper conducts a comparative analysis with Islamic philosophy, particularly drawing upon Ayatollah Misbah Yazdi's interpretation. His framework emphasizes presential knowledge (al-'ilm al-huduri), existential dependence, and a vertical causal hierarchy, addressing metaphysical shortcomings in multiverse models and reaffirming the universality of causality. By bridging Western and Islamic philosophical systems, this study aims to resolve contemporary challenges through an analytical approach. This study investigates the principle of causality as a fundamental concept in epistemology and ontology, which faces significant challenges within multiverse theories—including possible, impossible, and parallel worlds—where causality is often reduced to mere physical or mathematical relations. While previous research has predominantly focused on Western models, this paper conducts a comparative analysis with Islamic philosophy, particularly drawing upon Ayatollah Misbah Yazdi's interpretation. His framework emphasizes presential knowledge (al-'ilm al-huduri), existential dependence, and a vertical causal hierarchy, addressing metaphysical shortcomings in multiverse models and reaffirming the universality of causality. By bridging Western and Islamic philosophical systems, this study aims to resolve contemporary challenges through an analytical approach.

https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_105845_556c5b1af19444c3fb96cb3ee7975590.pdf

University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 02 Mystical Experience as a Basis for Philosophical Thought A Comparative Inquiry into Wuhua and the Imaginal Worlds Mystical Experience as a Basis for Philosophical Thought A Comparative Inquiry into Wuhua and the Imaginal Worlds 61 72 105701 10.22059/jpht.2026.407318.1006169 FA Sayyed Saied Reza Montazery Department of Philosophy of religion, Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran Misagh Mehrabi Faculty of Theology, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran Journal Article 2025 12 01 Mystical experience constitutes an intuitive encounter with sacred reality and divine manifestation through which the perceiver apprehends existence as an integrated whole. When purified from egoic and deceptive influences, it functions as a legitimate mode of knowing the truth of being. The concept of wuhua (無化), emerging from the trans‑sensory insight of the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, exemplifies such epistemic intuition; he elevated this experience into a philosophical principle explaining the transformation and unity of existence. Likewise, the notion of the imaginal world (ʿālam al‑khayāl), grounded in the mystical experiences of the Muslim thinker Ibn ʿArabī, articulates a layered cosmological structure in which the real and the imaginal interpenetrate. Despite their cultural and historical distance, both thinkers converge on a foundational intuition: that authentic knowledge of being transcends the confines of sensory perception. Adopting a descriptive and comparative approach, this study examines wuhua and the imaginal world, emphasizing their conceptual resonances. It argues that Zhuangzi’s lucid articulation of trans‑empirical insight can deepen the understanding of Islamic mystical ontology and cosmology. Based on extensive textual analysis, the findings reveal substantial philosophical convergences between Daoist and Islamic mystical thought. Mystical experience constitutes an intuitive encounter with sacred reality and divine manifestation through which the perceiver apprehends existence as an integrated whole. When purified from egoic and deceptive influences, it functions as a legitimate mode of knowing the truth of being. The concept of wuhua (無化), emerging from the trans‑sensory insight of the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, exemplifies such epistemic intuition; he elevated this experience into a philosophical principle explaining the transformation and unity of existence. Likewise, the notion of the imaginal world (ʿālam al‑khayāl), grounded in the mystical experiences of the Muslim thinker Ibn ʿArabī, articulates a layered cosmological structure in which the real and the imaginal interpenetrate. Despite their cultural and historical distance, both thinkers converge on a foundational intuition: that authentic knowledge of being transcends the confines of sensory perception. Adopting a descriptive and comparative approach, this study examines wuhua and the imaginal world, emphasizing their conceptual resonances. It argues that Zhuangzi’s lucid articulation of trans‑empirical insight can deepen the understanding of Islamic mystical ontology and cosmology. Based on extensive textual analysis, the findings reveal substantial philosophical convergences between Daoist and Islamic mystical thought.

https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_105701_39ec3beae38d4257b1391ad34f139f45.pdf

University of Tehran Press Philosophy of Religion 2008-7063 23 1 2026 03 02 The Dialectic of Worship and Certainty in the Qur'an: An Explanation of the Ontological Praxis of Understanding and a Response to the Hermeneutical Circularity Challenge The Dialectic of Worship and Certainty in the Qur'an: An Explanation of the Ontological Praxis of Understanding and a Response to the Hermeneutical Circularity Challenge 73 85 105906 10.22059/jpht.2026.409087.1006178 FA Ramezan Mahdavi Azadboni Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Islamic Theology and Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran Journal Article 2026 01 05 This philosophical-Qur’anic study elucidates the dialectical relationship between worship (ibadah) and certainty (yaqin) within the Qur’an’s epistemological framework. It posits that certainty is not merely theoretical but is actualized through the existential practice (praxis) of worship. Analyzing key verses, the study argues that worship, as an “ontological praxis,” transforms the human mode of being, thereby creating the conditions for attaining certainty. This attained certainty, in turn, enhances the quality of worship, forming a virtuous ascending spiral rather than a vicious circle. Addressing the challenge of committing to worship before certainty, the research distinguishes knowledge levels (from 'ilm al-yaqin to haqq al-yaqin) and employs concepts of innate disposition (fitrah) and pre-understanding. This model initiates with basic propositional knowledge and existential motivation, culminating in comprehensive, existential knowledge through practical commitment, offering an authentic framework for understanding the interplay of knowledge and action in religious epistemology. This philosophical-Qur’anic study elucidates the dialectical relationship between worship (ibadah) and certainty (yaqin) within the Qur’an’s epistemological framework. It posits that certainty is not merely theoretical but is actualized through the existential practice (praxis) of worship. Analyzing key verses, the study argues that worship, as an “ontological praxis,” transforms the human mode of being, thereby creating the conditions for attaining certainty. This attained certainty, in turn, enhances the quality of worship, forming a virtuous ascending spiral rather than a vicious circle. Addressing the challenge of committing to worship before certainty, the research distinguishes knowledge levels (from 'ilm al-yaqin to haqq al-yaqin) and employs concepts of innate disposition (fitrah) and pre-understanding. This model initiates with basic propositional knowledge and existential motivation, culminating in comprehensive, existential knowledge through practical commitment, offering an authentic framework for understanding the interplay of knowledge and action in religious epistemology.

https://jpht.ut.ac.ir/article_105906_68b724f0269ca688067b6b46fa425c41.pdf