The Quranic Concept of Fitra (Natural Disposition):

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 The Quranic Concept of Fitra (Natural Disposition):



The term "Fitra" is derived from the Arabic word "fatara" which means to create or to originate.
In Islamic psychology the concept of fitra refers to the innate nature of human beings that inclines them towards recognizing and submitting to the existence and oneness of Allah and adhering to moral and ethical values.
Ibn Taymiyyah a prominent Islamic scholar (born in 661 A.H) said, "The fitra is the natural state of the human being, in accordance with which he is created. It is the innate disposition that directs a person towards recognizing Allah as his Lord and Master, and towards adhering to the moral and ethical values that are consistent with his divine commandments."
Imam  Al-Ghazali another Islamic scholar said the fitra means "the original purity of the human being, which inclines him towards recognizing his creator  and fulfilling his commands."
Fitrah is the first component in Islamic psychology and it refers to the natural, God given disposition of a person. It is believed that every person is born with a set of inherent qualities and characteristics that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and that guide them towards living fulfilling and meaningful life.
The concept of fitra is rooted in the belief that God has created  all people with a natural inclination towards goodness and righteousness, and that this inclination can be nurtured and developed through following the teachings of Islam. According to Islamic tradition, fitra is the state of being that is most in harmony with the will of God, and it is believed to be the key to spiritual and emotional well-being.
  
Fitrah is a divine chip implanted by God in humans so that they are ready to believe in monotheism, purify themselves, and worship God. Humans who carry out their fitrah have three characteristics: accepting and practicing Islam, being sincere an d having a strong faith.

Fitrah in the Quran:

In the Quran, fitra is linked to the concept of Hanif; and term that is often associated with Abraham but it also includes beliefs and instead embrace faith in the unity of God.

Concept of Fitra in Islam:

Fitra is a concept construed with intense meanings in Islamic literature that originates from the Quran and Sunnah. The concept of fitra is used to denote the essence, principles, and rules of creation, as well as a way of expressing the material and spiritual value that each entity possesses due to its creation.

Fitra in Islam:

Fitrana is the Urdu word for the Arabic al-fitr which in technical usage, refers to Zakat al-Fitr or the special Zakat or obligatory alms, of Breaking the Fast" at the end of the month of Ramadan.


The Quranic concept of Fitra (Arabic: فطرة) refers to the inherent, natural disposition or instinctive state that Allah has created within every human being. It is the innate sense of awareness of the Creator, an intuitive recognition of the truth, and a natural inclination towards goodness, justice, and submission to God. According to the Quran, every human is born with this pure, uncorrupted nature, which is aligned with the truth of Islam.

One of the key verses that highlight this concept is found in Surah Ar-Rum (30:30):

"So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the Fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. There is no changing the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know."

This verse emphasizes that the natural state of human beings is in harmony with divine guidance and the belief in one God. Fitra is seen as a predisposition to recognize and worship the Creator. However, over time, external influences such as culture, society, and personal experiences may obscure this natural disposition, leading people away from the truth.

The concept of Fitra in the Quran is closely related to the idea of spiritual purity. It suggests that a person’s true essence, when untainted by societal influences or sins, is naturally inclined to submit to Allah’s will. This purity can be nurtured through acts of worship, ethical conduct, and the seeking of knowledge.

Islam teaches that every individual has the potential to reconnect with their Fitra through guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The process of returning to one's Fitra is often described as returning to the right path, overcoming the distractions of worldly desires, and seeking the closeness of Allah.

Fitra represents the innate, God-given nature of human beings to recognize and worship Allah, living in accordance with truth and righteousness. It is the natural foundation upon which Islam is built, and the goal is to nurture this inherent state to achieve spiritual fulfillment and closeness to the Creator.

In Islam, the concept of fitrah (Arabic: الفطرة) refers to the innate nature or natural disposition that every human being is born with. It signifies the original state of purity, a divine instinct, and a connection to the Creator. Fitrah represents an inborn capacity for goodness and the recognition of God's existence, even before any external influences, such as upbringing, culture, or social environment, shape a person's beliefs and behaviors. The Quran and Hadith literature explain fitrah in various ways, underlining its importance in understanding human nature and spirituality.

Fitrah in the Quran:

The term fitrah is mentioned in the Quran in the following verse:

  • "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created all people. There is no changing in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most people do not know."
    (Quran, Surah Ar-Rum, 30:30)

This verse emphasizes that human beings are created with a natural inclination towards recognizing and submitting to Allah's guidance. Fitrah is therefore seen as a divine blueprint or default state, suggesting that everyone is born with an inherent sense of right and wrong and an instinctive understanding of their Creator. The "correct religion" is the one that aligns with this fitrah, which is Islam, and this natural disposition is an invitation to live in harmony with divine guidance.

Things of the Fitra:

Five are the acts of fitra: circumcision, removing the pubes, clipping the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking the hair under the armpits.

Rule of the Fitra:

Fitrana is incumbent on every Muslim who possesses 1 saal of food which is not needed as a basic necessity for themselves self  or their family for the duration of 1 day and night.

Example of Fitra:

Fitra refers to the disposition upon which Allah has created his slaves such that he has given them a natural inclination towards certain things. This includes, for example a love for goodness and its rffects and hating evil and defending oneself from it.

1. Belief in One God: The Prophet Muhammad's life was centered on the belief in one God, which is the fundamental principle of the Islamic faith. He  consistently preached the importance of monotheism and the worship of Allah alone, as stated in the Quran: " say: He is Allah, the One and Only Allah the Eternal Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotton; And there is none like unto Him".

2.Kindness and compassion towards all:The Prophet Muhammad was known for his kind and compassionate nature towards all, including animals and even his enemies. This is exemplified in a famous incident where a Bedouin urinated in the mosque, and instead of getting angry or scolding him, the Prophet calmly instructed his companion to clean it up and then spoke kindly to the Bedouin, explaining to him the sancity of the mosque.

3. Modesty and Humility:The Prophet Muhammad was a humble and modest man, despite his great achievements and status as leader. He would often help with household chores, such as sewing his own clothes and milking his own goat and would sit and eat with his companions instead of expecting special treatment. This is reflected in the Quranic Verse: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them they say word of peace"

 

Concept of Fitra:

According to the Kamus Dewan, the term "fitra" is a natural disposition or tendency. It is also defined as religious sentiment. From an etymoligical perspectives, the word fitra comes from the Arabic word fitra, which means "to originate" tendencies from birth "disposition" and " instinct".

Quranic verse talks about Fitra:

The concept of fitra mentioned in several places in the Quran, including Surah Ar-Rum which states "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the Faith of Allah upon he has created all people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah.

Hadith on Fitrah:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also spoke about fitrah in many hadiths, highlighting its purity and significance. A famous hadith is:

  • "Every child is born upon fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian..."
    (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith underscores the idea that humans are born in a state of fitrah, but external influences (such as parents, society, or culture) can shape their beliefs and practices. The implication is that the natural disposition to believe in the oneness of God and to follow a righteous path is universal, and deviations from it occur due to external factors, not due to the nature of the individual.

Acts of Fitra:

  • Clipping or trimming the mustache. The Sunnah is to shorten the mustache.
  • Growing the beard.
  • Using the tooth-stick.
  • Cleaning by putting water in the nose.
  • Clipping nails of hand and feet.
  • Washing the knuckles and finger joints..
  • Plucking the hair under the armpits.

System of Fitrah:

 Fitra is a required charity given at the end of Ramadan, and before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers to show gratitude to Allah for allowing us to observe the obligatory fasts in Ramadan with compassion and steadfastness.

Characteristics of Fitrah:

  1. Inherent Belief in God: Fitrah is often described as the natural inclination to believe in a higher power (Allah). It means humans have an instinctive understanding of the divine and can recognize the signs of God's existence in creation, as the Quran states:
    • "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth..."
      (Quran, Surah Fussilat, 41:53)
  2. Innate Moral Sense: Fitrah also involves an inherent understanding of good and evil. People are born with an innate moral compass that helps them distinguish between right and wrong. This moral awareness is believed to be a key component of fitrah, allowing individuals to make ethical decisions and act in ways that align with justice.
  3. Natural Affinity for Worship: According to Islamic tradition, humans have a natural drive to worship and seek a connection with God. This is part of the fitrah, as the Quran mentions:
    • "I have only created jinn and mankind that they may worship Me."
      (Quran, Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56)
  4. Purity: Fitrah is often associated with purity and innocence, untouched by corruption or sin. It is believed that as individuals grow and experience life, external factors (such as societal influences, sins, or negative experiences) can distort this natural disposition. However, Islam teaches that returning to fitrah, through repentance and faith, allows one to restore this innate purity.

Fitrah and Islamic Practices:

  1. Tawhid (Oneness of God): The recognition of Allah's oneness is a core component of fitrah. Islam teaches that the belief in the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid) is inherent to human nature. People are born with an instinctive understanding that there is a Creator who is worthy of worship.
  2. The Role of Prophets: Prophets in Islam are sent to guide people back to their fitrah, helping them rediscover the true path to God. Prophets bring messages that align with the natural state of fitrah, reminding people of their innate disposition and calling them back to worship God alone.
  3. Rituals and Practices: Islamic rituals, such as daily prayers (salat), fasting (sawm), and charity (zakat), are considered acts that align individuals with their fitrah, as they reconnect them with their natural inclination toward worship, gratitude, and moral behavior.

Fitrah and Islamic Jurisprudence:

The concept of fitrah also plays a role in Islamic law (Sharia). For instance:

  • Fitrah and Purification: In Islamic jurisprudence, rituals like ablution (wudu) and the fitrah charity during Ramadan (zakat al-fitr) are seen as ways of purifying oneself and reconnecting with the original, pure state of fitrah.
  • Children and Innocence: In Islam, children are regarded as being in a state of fitrah, which means they are considered innocent and free from sin until they reach the age of maturity (puberty). This purity is a gift from Allah, and they are not held accountable for actions that go against the fitrah before that age.

Fitrah and Modern Life:

The concept of fitrah is not just historical or theological; it also holds relevance in modern life. Muslims believe that by returning to their fitrah, through aligning their lives with Islamic teachings, they can experience peace, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Fitrah encourages individuals to live authentically, in accordance with their natural, divinely created nature, and to avoid distractions that lead them away from this innate understanding of right and wrong.

Fitrah is a fundamental concept in Islam, describing the pure, original state of every human being. It is the natural disposition toward recognizing the existence of God, adhering to morality, and desiring to live a righteous life. Fitrah provides the foundation for human understanding of God, self, and the world around them, and Islam encourages individuals to nurture and return to this original state through faith, worship, and righteous action.

Aspect about the Quranic concept of Fitra:

The concept of fitrah in the Quran refers to the innate, natural disposition or instinctive nature of human beings, which is aligned with the truth and obedience to Allah. It is the inherent state of purity, virtue, and the capacity to recognize the existence of a Creator. Here are key aspects of fitrah based on Quranic teachings:

1. Innate Nature of Humans:

Fitrah is described as the natural, intrinsic disposition that every human is born with. It includes an inborn sense of recognizing the oneness of Allah and the moral guidance to distinguish right from wrong. The Quran mentions that every human is created in this pure state:

  • Quranic Reference: "So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth, the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. There is no changing the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know." (Quran 30:30)

2. Natural Inclination Toward Tawhid (Oneness of God):

Fitrah is closely linked to the human inclination toward the belief in the oneness of God (tawhid). This natural disposition leads individuals to recognize Allah's existence, even before being exposed to formal religious teachings. It is said that the fitrah compels the human heart toward monotheism.

  • Quranic Reference: "And when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying], 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we have testified.'" (Quran 7:172)

3. Innate Moral Compass:

Fitrah provides a moral framework that guides individuals toward what is right and just. It aligns with the basic notions of justice, kindness, and truth, and steers humans away from evil. Though humans may sometimes forget or suppress this inner knowledge, it remains present in their nature.

  • Quranic Reference: "Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful." (Quran 76:3)

4. Unchanging and Immutable:

The Quran teaches that fitrah is part of the unchanging creation of Allah. It cannot be altered or corrupted by external influences, although people may choose to deviate from it due to societal pressures or personal choices. Essentially, fitrah is seen as a permanent part of the human being's makeup.

  • Quranic Reference: "That is the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. There is no changing the creation of Allah." (Quran 30:30)

5. The Role of Revelation:

While humans are born with a pure fitrah, it is the guidance of divine revelation (such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad) that helps nurture, refine, and direct this natural disposition toward true worship of Allah and moral righteousness. Revelation acts as a reminder, bringing clarity to what is innately known.

  • Quranic Reference: "This [Quran] is a guidance for those who are conscious of Allah." (Quran 2:2)

6. The Impact of Society and Environment:

Although fitrah is inherent, it is influenced by external factors such as culture, upbringing, and society. The Quran acknowledges that these factors can lead people to forget or distort their innate disposition. This is why, according to Islamic teachings, individuals should seek to return to their original state of fitrah through repentance, reflection, and submission to Allah.

  • Quranic Reference: "And if We had decreed upon them, 'Kill yourselves,' they would not have done it, except for a few of them." (Quran 4:66)

7. The Human Capacity for Choice:

Fitrah grants humans the ability to choose whether to adhere to the guidance of their innate nature or to deviate from it. This free will is a key aspect of being human and is central to the idea of accountability in the Hereafter. The Quran encourages individuals to return to their fitrah by submitting to Allah’s commands.

  • Quranic Reference: "But those who believe are firmer in love for Allah." (Quran 2:165)

8. The Significance of Purification:

Islam teaches that one must strive to purify the heart and soul to restore the original purity of fitrah. This process involves seeking knowledge, engaging in worship, and staying away from sin. The restoration of fitrah is a key goal in spiritual development.

  • Quranic Reference: "Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they are the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is gardens of eternity beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever." (Quran 98:7-8)

In essence, fitrah represents the natural state of purity, the intrinsic belief in one God, and the moral compass that guides human beings. While external influences may obscure or distort this natural disposition, the Quran encourages individuals to return to their original, untainted nature through repentance, reflection, and submission to Allah.

Significance about Quranic Concept of fitra:

The Quranic concept of Fitra (Arabic: فطرة) refers to the inherent, natural disposition or intrinsic nature that every human being is born with. In Islamic theology, Fitra signifies the original state of purity, righteousness, and the innate capacity for recognizing and submitting to the One God, Allah. The concept is mentioned in several places in the Quran and Hadith, underscoring its importance in understanding human nature and the relationship between human beings and their Creator.

1. Inherent Knowledge of Allah

The Quran indicates that every human being is born with an innate recognition of Allah's existence and oneness. This primal knowledge is a natural instinct embedded in human nature. The Quran states:

"So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the Fitra of Allah upon which He has created all people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah." (Quran 30:30)

This verse highlights that Fitra is the original, unchanged creation of Allah. It is not a learned behavior but an inborn characteristic that guides individuals toward recognizing and worshiping the Creator. Fitra enables human beings to understand basic moral truths and principles of right and wrong.

2. Moral Compass

The concept of Fitra is closely related to morality. The human soul, according to Islamic teachings, is naturally inclined to distinguish between good and evil. This moral compass, if nurtured correctly, directs individuals to act justly and live righteous lives. The Quran alludes to this idea:

"And [Allah] inspired it with the ability to distinguish between right and wrong." (Quran 91:8)

Thus, Fitra serves as an internal guide, helping individuals recognize their duties toward God, society, and fellow humans.

3. State of Purity

Fitra also signifies the state of purity and cleanliness with which every child is born. In the Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states:

"Every child is born in a state of Fitra. It is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian." (Sahih Muslim)

This suggests that, at birth, a person’s nature is pure and uncorrupted. It is external influences, such as cultural, social, or familial conditioning, that may lead them away from this inherent truth. Fitra, therefore, is viewed as a guide to returning to a state of purity, free from the distortions of worldly influences.

4. A Universal Concept

Fitra is not limited to a particular group, religion, or ethnicity. It is the innate nature of every human being. In Islam, it is believed that all individuals are born with a predisposition to worship Allah and recognize His authority, regardless of their background. The universality of this concept emphasizes the unity of human beings in their intrinsic nature and their shared ability to recognize the Divine.

5. Connection with the Concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God)

Fitra also has a deep connection with Tawhid, the Islamic principle of the oneness of Allah. The recognition of Allah as the one true God is a fundamental aspect of Fitra. Human beings are naturally predisposed to acknowledge this truth, and Fitra allows them to seek and understand the concept of Tawhid, even if they are not explicitly taught about it.

6. Spiritual Guidance and Responsibility

In addition to being an innate recognition of Allah, Fitra also involves the responsibility to adhere to the natural path of worship and submission. Human beings are encouraged to stay true to their Fitra, despite external distractions or societal pressures that may lead them astray. Islam emphasizes that one’s ultimate goal is to return to the state of Fitra through sincere faith and righteous action.

7. Reversion to Fitra in Islam

In Islamic spirituality, the idea of returning to one's Fitra is central to the concept of Tawbah (repentance). People who stray from their natural disposition of worshiping Allah can always return to their original state through repentance, purification of the heart, and following the teachings of Islam. This process of reversion highlights the mercy of Allah and the potential for redemption, no matter how far someone has strayed from their innate nature.

8. Psychological and Emotional Harmony

Fitra is also seen as a source of psychological and emotional peace. When a person aligns with their Fitra, they feel a sense of harmony with themselves and the world around them. Living in accordance with Fitra brings fulfillment and tranquility, as it aligns one's actions with their true purpose in life — to worship and serve Allah.

Conclusion

The Quranic concept of Fitra is foundational to understanding human nature in Islamic thought. It affirms that human beings are created with an innate disposition toward recognizing Allah, following moral principles, and living a life of purity. Fitra underscores the universality of truth in Islam, urging individuals to reconnect with their true, untainted nature and worship Allah alone. It serves as a spiritual guide, encouraging individuals to stay true to their innate goodness and righteousness, while also offering a path to return to this state of purity through repentance and faith.

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