Al-Kindī, Abū Bakr al-Rāzī, and al-Fārābī on Human's Happiness: An Analysis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Perfectionism, a longstanding tradition in philosophy dating back to ancient Greece, has persisted into modern schools of thought, including Islamic philosophy. It posits that the ultimate goal of philosophy is the perfection of the soul, serving as a pathway to human happiness. This paper addresses the primary question of what happiness entails according to Al-Kindī, Zakariya al-Rāzī, and Al-Fārābī, three early Islamic philosophers who, despite their differences, share the distinction of being uninfluenced by the Avicennian tradition. The secondary question explores the fate of the soul if it fails to achieve ultimate happiness, as viewed by these thinkers. The authors argue that, for these philosophers, happiness and misery ultimately manifest in the afterlife, yet their foundational differences lead to significant divergences in understanding these concepts. Using critical and descriptive analysis, the paper highlights the diverse perspectives of these philosophers on the nature of happiness and the consequences of its absence. By examining their views, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of perfectionism in early Islamic philosophy and its implications for the soul's journey toward ultimate fulfillment.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Islamic Philosophical Doctrines

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 October 2025

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