Anwar-e Ma`rifat

In Islamic teachings, free will (ikhtiyār) occupies a distinctive position. The transcendence and development of the human being across all dimensions of life are rendered possible under the aegis of human free will. Generally speaking, even in spiritual matters, the disregard of individuals' free will and volition is impossible, for human movement along the path of proximity to God (qurb ilā Allāh) cannot occur without free will. Nevertheless, one of the most challenging issues among scholars concerns the relationship between free will and spirituality. ʿAllāmah Miṣbāḥ Yazdī, as one of the great Islamic thinkers, has addressed spiritual and mystical questions in his works. This research aims to elucidate and analyze the place of free will in Islamic spirituality on the basis of ʿAllāmah Miṣbāḥ Yazdī's thought, employing a descriptive-analytical method. The findings of this study indicate that he regards free will as essential in spiritual affairs. God has provided the human being with spiritual potentials and predispositions, and it is through free will that the individual must traverse the path of spirituality.