Philosophy of Religion Research

Exploring the Research Paradigm of “Al-Hayat al-Tayyiba” in Light of Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaʾi’s Thought

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Ph.D. Graduate in Political Science, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Political Thought, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Political Thought, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Governance and Policy-Making, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

“Al-Hayat al-Tayyiba” (the Qurʾanic concept of a pure life) represents a higher, genuine, and elevated form of existence, surpassing ordinary life and carrying ontological implications. This concept can inform notions of progress, well-being, and happiness, which in today’s modern world structure diverse realms of individual, familial, social, and political activities. However, the extensive and varied application of this concept has led to conceptual ambiguity, complicating its systematic use by researchers. A research paradigm provides a framework for understanding the nature of knowledge and the methods of its production, enabling researchers to identify the fundamental assumptions and beliefs shaping their inquiry. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to explicate the research paradigm of al-Hayat al-Tayyiba based on the thought of Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaʾi, using a text-oriented hermeneutic approach and documentary data collection. The research paradigm of al-Hayat al-Tayyiba was developed along four elements: ontology, axiology, epistemology, and methodology. Ontologically, al-Hayat al-Tayyiba actualizes through a gradual ascent across the three realms of existence—from the material, through the imaginal, to the intellectual. Axiologically, the ultimate value of this life lies in the realization of the station of Divine Vicegerency (khalīfa Allah). Epistemologically, comprehension and attainment of this life are contingent upon the soul’s existential journey and the exercise of practical mental constructs (iʿtibāriyāt). Methodologically, faith and righteous deeds constitute the two fundamental pillars for actualizing al-Hayat al-Tayyiba. However, the manner and process of actualization are also contingent upon the principle of contextual embeddedness.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Philosophy of Religion Research
Volume 23, Issue 2 - Serial Number 46
December 2025
Pages 95-120