An Analysis and Critique of the Function of Innate Nature (Fiṭra) in faith from the Perspectives of Ibn Ṭufayl and Ibn Bābawayh Based on Quranic Verses and Hadiths

Scholars have offered a wide range of views on the role of innate nature (fiṭra) in attaining faith. On one end of the spectrum, there is the belief that fiṭra serves as a complete guide, capable of leading humans to the threshold of divine rulings (Ibn Ṭufayl’s view). On the other end, it is argued that fiṭra alone cannot guide humans to God, and that guidance can only be achieved through the teachings of prophets and one's presence in society (al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq’s view). However, an analysis of Quranic verses and hadiths provides a different perspective, rejecting both the maximal and minimal roles of fiṭra in the attainment of faith. In times of hardship and difficult circumstances, fiṭra guides individuals toward intuitive faith or faith in a general sense, which in itself is non-guiding and can quickly fade. Nevertheless, it can create the conditions for accepting acquired guidance and achieving contemplative faith, or faith in the specific sense (as presented by the divine prophets).