A Philosophical Redefinition of "Humility" Based on the Principles of Transcendent Philosophy (Ḥikmat-I Muta‘Āliya)

Document Type : Research Article

Author

Department of Philosophy of Ethics, Encyclopedia Center of Islamic Rational Sciences, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Humility is one of the most widely used ethical concepts, regarding which thinkers have presented various accounts of its essence. Given the benefits of humility for all members of society, especially the ruler, it is necessary to determine the correct domain of humility so that it is not confused with similar concepts such as reprehensible abasement (dhillah). This research categorizes the definitions of humility and aims to examine its essence and domain from the perspective of Transcendent Philosophy (Ḥikmat-i Ṣadrāʾī). Although Mullā Ṣadrā does not explicitly address humility, one can infer its essence based on his philosophical thought and the views of thinkers who have founded their philosophy upon Transcendent Philosophy. The chosen definition in this research is consistent with fundamental principles such as the principality of existence (aṣālat al-wujūd), the gradedness of existence (tashkīk al-wujūd), substantial motion (al-ḥarakat al-jawhariyyah), and the rule of the simple truth (qāʿidat basīṭ al-ḥaqīqah), according to which true superiority is traced back to the intensity and richness of existence, and the existential course of human being is directed towards Absolute Perfection. The results of this research, which is conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, indicate that in order to achieve a proper semantics, a connection must be established between the specific characteristic of the concept and the goal of ethics. From the perspective of Muslim thinkers, the goal of ethics is proximity (qurb) to Absolute Perfection. Humility is then defined as modesty before the higher authority of God. Accordingly, acts of modesty that are not related to God are not considered humility. Therefore, modesty shown before those of lower status without regard to the Absolute Higher Authority is a form of reprehensible subservience (tadhallul). However, ultimate abasement before God is regarded as a form of good humility.

Keywords

References

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  • Receive Date: 24 May 2026
  • Revise Date: 05 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 07 September 2026

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