Ma`rifat Adyan

The contemporary world faces a deep rupture between individualistic and isolationist spiritualities on the one hand, and justice-seeking movements lacking spiritual and moral foundations on the other. Existing theologies—whether traditional, liberationist, or Christian resistance theologies—face limitations such as abstractionism, economic reductionism, neglect of the sacred dimension, or the lack of a constructive horizon. This gap necessitates the presentation of an integrated social theology. By creatively reviving “futuvva or Javānmardī” (spiritual chivalry) as an Islamic-Iranian civilizational heritage, this article proposes a theory of “Javānmardī-Based Theology of Transcendence-Building.” In this paradigm, (spiritual chivalry) provides a comprehensive framework for linking spirituality, justice, and progress. Drawing on reason on the one hand, and Qur’anic sources and the conduct of the Infallibles (peace be upon them) on the other, while being inspired by historical institutions of futuvva, this theology outlines a three-dimensional civilizational path comprising the Greater Jihad (inner liberation), the Lesser Jihad (external resistance), and the Jihad of Establishment and Construction. Realizing this theory requires new institution-building, the creation of an educational system that nurtures chivalrous individuals, and an ethics-centered resistance economy. Its ultimate goal is to offer a “comprehensive system of life” that rejects reductionism and seeks to build a just and transcendent society within the horizon of a new Islamic civilization.