A Comparative Study of the Concept of Happiness in Relation to Ethics and Religion from the Perspectives of Abu’l-Hasan Amiri and Allameh Tabataba’i

Abdollahpour Sangchi, Fatemeh; Rahnamaei, Hossein

A Comparative Study of the Concept of Happiness in Relation to Ethics and Religion from the Perspectives of Abu’l-Hasan Amiri and Allameh Tabataba’i

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Fatemeh Abdollahpour Sangchi ¹

Hossein Rahnamaei ²

¹ PhD student in Theoretical Foundations, University of Tehran

² Assistant Professor, Faculty of Islamic Thought and Education, University of Tehran

Abstract

Introduction
Happiness, as the ultimate goal of human existence, holds a central place in Islamic philosophy, closely linked to ethics and religion. This paper examines and compares the perspectives of two eminent Islamic thinkers: Abu al-Hasan al-Amiri and Allameh Tabataba’i. Tabataba’i sees happiness as a spiritual and metaphysical goal attainable through faith, righteous action, and self-purification. Conversely, al-Amiri emphasizes social order and considers happiness as achievable through ethical conduct, adherence to divine law, and rational political governance. The study provides a comparative analysis of their views, clarifying points of convergence and divergence, and offers a framework for rethinking the Islamic concept of happiness in modern educational and moral systems.

Methodology
Using an analytical-comparative method, this research investigates the primary philosophical and exegetical works of Allameh Tabataba’i and the philosophical-ethical writings of al-Amiri. Data collection was based on document and literature review, and the findings were analyzed using conceptual and comparative methods.

Findings
Tabataba’i identifies true happiness with attaining higher levels of Tawhid (monotheism) and direct spiritual insight into Divine reality, which is achievable through inner purification, faith, and righteous deeds. He considers religion and ethics as foundational pillars of this journey. On the other hand, al-Amiri views happiness within the context of a virtuous life in a just society, made possible through the application of divine law, ethical virtues, and political wisdom.

Keywords

Happiness

ethics

religion

Allamah Tabataba'

Abolhasan Ameri

Islamic philosophy

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