Classifications of Divine Inclinations and Intuitions (Fitriyyat)

Fitriyyat may be classified in various ways. An important classification is that which distinguishes between inclinations (conative fitriyyat) and intuitions (cognitive fitriyyat). Innate intuitions furnish knowledge and understanding, whereas innate inclinations propel the human being to action. One innate intuition is the intuition of God, the innate knowledge of God that human beings possess in their very nature. An innate inclination is the inclination to seek God.

The innate inclinations the human being is possessed of may be divided into two categories: animal inclinations and human inclinations. Animal inclinations are those which human beings and animals share in common. They are commonly referred to as instincts (qara’iz). Two prominent examples are (1) self-preservation, which disposes animals to act in ways that ensure their survival (the drives to seek food and to repel enemies stem from this inclination) and (2) sexual desire.

Human inclinations are those which are specific to human nature and are not found in animals. They may be distinguished by the fact that they do not usually correspond to a body part. Examples of this category are the inclinations toward truth, virtue, beauty, creativity, immortality, and perfection.