The Quranic Concept of Fitra (Natural Disposition):
Fitrah in the Quran:
Concept of Fitra in Islam:
Fitra in Islam:
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:
Rule of the Fitra:
Example of Fitra:
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.
Concept of Fitra:
Quranic verse talks about Fitra:
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:
Characteristics
of Fitrah:
- 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) - 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.
- 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) - 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.