Religions and Mysticism

Religions and Mysticism

A Critical Analysis of Frithjof Schuon’s Theory of the Transcendent Unity of Religions A Quranic Evaluation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Zohre Neshat doost zanjani 1
Abd al hadi Feqhhi zade 2
1 PhD Student, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 , Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22059/jrm.2026.410770.630725
Abstract
Religious diversity and the relationship between different religions and ultimate truth remain central issues in the philosophy of religion. Among contemporary responses, Frithjof Schuon’s theory of the Transcendent Unity of Religions has attracted considerable attention by maintaining that all authentic religions share a single metaphysical essence despite their outward differences. This study critically evaluates this theory from the perspective of the Holy Quran.
Using a descriptive–analytical method together with a comparative and critical approach, this study examines Schuon’s epistemological foundations, theological assumptions, and practical implications in light of Quranic teachings and the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt.
The findings indicate that the principal foundations of Schuon’s theory—including the primacy of intellectual intuition, the distinction between exoteric and esoteric religion, the distinction between the Absolute and the relative, and the distinction between Presence and Truth—are rooted primarily in the metaphysical traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism rather than in the Quranic worldview. Furthermore, the theory overlooks fundamental Quranic doctrines such as the finality of prophethood, the corruption of previous revelations, the perfection of Islam, and the reformative function of revelation. Consequently, it relativises Divine Law, weakens the distinction between truth and falsehood, and ultimately supports a form of religious pluralism that is inconsistent with Quranic teachings.
The Quran presents religion as a historically continuous yet progressively completed divine guidance culminating in Islam. Since Schuon’s theory conflicts with this framework at the epistemological, theological, and practical levels, it cannot be regarded as compatible with the Quranic conception of religious truth.
Keywords
Holy Quran
Intellectual Intuition
Religious Pluralism
Traditionalism
Transcendent Unity of Religions
Subjects
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Religions and Mysticism
Volume 59, Issue 1
(Spring & Summer 2026)
September 2026
Pages 215-238