Concept of Fitrah(Human Nature):

Islamic Brains
By -
0

Concept of Fitrah (Human Nature):



In Islamic theology, Fitrah refers to the innate nature or natural disposition with which every human being is created. It represents a pure, inherent sense of recognizing the existence of God, a predisposition towards good, and an instinctive inclination towards morality and righteousness. The concept is derived from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who stated that all humans are born in a state of Fitrah, which is a natural inclination towards the worship of Allah.
Fitrah is a concept construed with intense meanings in Islamic literature that originates from the Quran and Sunnah. The concept of fitrah 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.
The term "fitrah" is derived from the Arabic word "fatara", which means to crate  or to originate.
In Islamic psychology the concept of fitrah 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 fitrah 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."
Al-Tabari said in his Tafsir: Fitrah: the deen (way or religion) of Allah. Al-Tabaris tafsir (commentary) of the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah.
Concerning the ayah, "So set your face  steadily and truly to the Faith: Allah's handiwork according to the pattern (fitrah) on which he has made mankind: no change in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion:but most among mankind understand not:Yusuf Ali's it was reported from some of the scholars of tafsir that the phrase the pattern on which He has made mankind means the design of Allah according to which he has created mankind.
The word fitrah was also mentioned in the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah who said: The Messenger of Allah said:removing the public hairs,circumcision,trimming the moustache,  trimming the nails.  

Examples of implementing Fitrah:

  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: He is Allah, the one and only; Allah the Eternal Absolute He begetteth not, nor 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 companions  to clean it up and then spoke kindly to the Bedouin, explaining to him the sancity of the mosque and why his action was  inappropriate.
  3. Honesty and integrity: The Prophet Muhammad was a man of great integrity and honesty and this is reflected in his actions, throughout his life. He was known to keep his word, even in difficult circumstances and was always truthful in his dealings with others.This is demonstrated in the famous incident where he was asked to mediate a dispute between two parties, and even though he had personal ties to one of them, he ruled in favour of the other based on the evidence presented to him.
  4. Modesty and humility:The Prophet Muhammad was a humble and modest man, despite his great achievements and status as a leader. He would often help with household chores, such as sewing his own clothes and milking his own goats, 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 (words of) peace. 

Ftrah in Islam Urdu:

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

Quran say about Fitrah:

The concept of Fitrah is mentioned in several places in the Quran, including 0 the fitrah of Surah Ar-Rum,which states: "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth.(Adhere to)the fitrah of Allah upon which he has created(all) people. No  change should there be in the creation of Allah.

The concept of Fitrah emphasizes that humans are born with an inherent understanding of right and wrong, and with the potential to follow a righteous path. However, external factors, such as society, upbringing, and personal choices, can shape and influence this natural disposition. According to Islamic teachings, it is through life experiences, education, and divine guidance that individuals are able to reconnect with and nurture their original state of purity and alignment with God.

Fitrah also reflects the idea of a universal truth that transcends cultural and religious differences, suggesting that all people, regardless of their background, are born with an innate sense of spiritual awareness and morality. This deep connection to the Creator, when recognized and followed, leads to fulfillment, peace, and closeness to Allah.

Ultimately, nurturing one's Fitrah is seen as a process of returning to one's true, authentic self—aligning with God's will and living a life of purpose and virtue.

Fitrah is an Arabic term that refers to the natural, intrinsic disposition or inherent nature of human beings, as described in Islamic teachings. It encompasses the innate qualities, characteristics, and instincts that humans are born with. The concept is deeply rooted in Islamic theology, philosophy, and ethics, and it carries significant implications in understanding human nature, spirituality, and behavior.

Key Aspects of Fitrah:

  1. Innate Belief in God: According to Islamic teachings, every human being is born with an inherent recognition of the existence of a higher power (God). This natural disposition towards monotheism is central to the concept of fitrah. The Qur'an mentions that all human beings are born in a state of fitrah and are naturally inclined to worship and submit to God (Allah), as seen in the verse:
    • "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people." (Qur'an 30:30)
  2. Moral and Ethical Instincts: Fitrah is also linked to an innate sense of right and wrong. Humans are believed to have an inborn moral compass, which helps them distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and justice and injustice. This moral intuition aligns with the universal ethical principles found in all major religions and cultures.
  3. Purity and Cleanliness: In Islamic thought, fitrah also refers to the natural purity and cleanliness that humans possess at birth. It is the belief that humans are inherently pure and free from sin at the time of their birth, and any deviation from this purity occurs through external influences, such as societal norms, upbringing, or personal choices.
  4. Spirituality: The concept of fitrah emphasizes the spiritual connection between humans and God. Islam teaches that every person, by virtue of their fitrah, has the capacity for spiritual development and the ability to recognize divine guidance. The natural disposition towards spirituality encourages individuals to seek truth and purpose in life, often leading them to seek a connection with their Creator.
  5. The Role of Parents and Society: While every person is born with fitrah, it is believed that external factors, such as family, culture, and environment, can influence and shape one's beliefs and values. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: "Every child is born on the fitrah, but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian" (Sahih Muslim). This highlights the importance of upbringing and societal influences on a person's development.
  6. Fitrah and Reversion (Conversion to Islam): In Islamic tradition, when someone embraces Islam, it is considered a return to their original, natural state of fitrah. The process of accepting Islam is often seen as a rediscovery of the innate disposition toward monotheism and spiritual purity that every human is born with.
  7. Fitrah and Free Will: While humans are born with fitrah, they also have free will to choose their path in life. Islamic philosophy holds that individuals are responsible for their choices, and they can either live in accordance with their fitrah, which leads to fulfillment and spiritual growth, or deviate from it, which may lead to confusion or spiritual stagnation.

Example of  a fitrah:

The way in which our fitrah operates is that when we do something good, we feel a natural happiness inside of us. For example, if you give someone a gift or charity, you feel happiness deep inside. This is because our actions are in line with our fitrah. So Allah rewards us for this with happiness and inner peace.

Parts of Fitrah:

Our Prophet said,"Five practices are characteristics of the Fitrah: circumcision shaving public region, clipping the nails and cutting the mustache.

Fitrah in Ramadan:

Fitrah or Zakat Al Fitr is a charitable act that must be completed before the end of Ramadan. Each Fitrah contribution should be enough to cover one meal for one individual, and must be given on behalf of each member of your family.

Value of Fitrah:

At the time of the Prophet Fitrana would be given as 1 saa'. Therefore the quantity is described by by Prophet a 1saa' of food (1 saa' is  equivalent to 4 madd). A madd is the amount that can  be scooped up when one puts their hands together.

Fitrah in Relation to Other Concepts:

  • Islamic Perspective on Sin: Fitrah provides the foundation for understanding sin in Islam. Since humans are born with an inherent understanding of right and wrong, sin is viewed as a deviation from this natural state of purity and goodness. It is not the original state of the person but rather the result of their choices and actions that lead them away from their fitrah.
  • Fitrah and Human Development: The concept of fitrah plays a role in the Islamic approach to education and personal development. Islamic teachings encourage individuals to nurture and cultivate the fitrah by seeking knowledge, adhering to moral values, and engaging in acts of worship.
  • Fitrah and Interfaith Dialogue: The idea that all humans are born with fitrah has implications for interfaith dialogue. It suggests that despite differences in religious beliefs and practices, there is a common ground of inherent spiritual awareness and a shared moral sense that can foster mutual understanding and respect.

Fitrah in Islam signifies the pure, innate nature of human beings, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between humans and their Creator, as well as the inherent moral compass that guides their behavior. It is seen as a fundamental aspect of human existence, shaping how people relate to God, others, and the world around them. Fostering and nurturing fitrah is seen as key to spiritual fulfillment and ethical living.

Properties about concept of Fitrah:

The concept of Fitrah in Islamic thought refers to the natural, innate disposition or the intrinsic state with which humans are born. This concept is deeply rooted in Islamic theology, psychology, and ethics, suggesting that humans have an inherent understanding of right and wrong, an instinctive connection to the Creator, and a natural ability to recognize truth. Here are some properties and characteristics associated with Fitrah:

1. Innate Nature

  • Fitrah represents the natural, untainted disposition with which every human is born. It implies that humans are inherently inclined toward goodness, justice, and spirituality.
  • According to the Qur'an, all humans are born with a pure state of Fitrah (Qur’an, 30:30), meaning they are naturally inclined towards recognizing the oneness of God and moral truths.

2. Divine Connection

  • Fitrah suggests an innate awareness of the existence of God (Allah) and a natural inclination to worship Him. This connection remains unless it is distorted by external factors like societal influences or personal choices.
  • Islam teaches that even if a person is born into a non-Islamic environment, their Fitrah will guide them toward recognizing the truth of divine monotheism.

3. Moral Compass

  • Fitrah provides humans with an inherent sense of morality and ethical guidelines. It allows individuals to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, without needing external teaching.
  • It is seen as the internal "compass" that helps people to make righteous decisions naturally, though it can be obscured by sin or environmental factors.

4. Universality

  • The concept of Fitrah is universal and applies to all human beings, regardless of their culture, religion, or geographical location. Every human being is born with a natural sense of good, truth, and moral order.
  • It transcends differences in time and place, as it is part of the human condition and not influenced by external ideologies or doctrines.

5. Pristine Condition

  • The Fitrah is in its most perfect form at birth. It is only later influenced or altered by external forces, such as upbringing, societal norms, or personal experiences.
  • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, "Every child is born on Fitrah, and it is their parents who make them Jewish, Christian, or Magian." This indicates the purity and untainted nature of Fitrah at birth.

6. Restorative Potential

  • Islam teaches that humans can return to their original Fitrah state through repentance, self-awareness, and alignment with divine guidance.
  • The process of reverting back to Fitrah involves cleansing one’s heart and actions, returning to the guidance of the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH).

7. Spiritual Health

  • Fitrah is closely linked to the spiritual well-being of a person. When a person’s life aligns with their innate Fitrah, they experience peace, harmony, and fulfillment.
  • The dissonance between one's Fitrah and actions is believed to lead to spiritual unrest, dissatisfaction, or misguidance.

8. Simplicity and Purity

  • Fitrah is often associated with simplicity, purity, and innocence. It is not corrupted by worldly desires or artificial complexities, and reflects a state of purity and simplicity in thought, action, and belief.
  • This purity makes children and the natural world examples of Fitrah.

9. Guiding towards Justice and Harmony

  • Fitrah inclines individuals towards seeking justice, truth, and harmony in their relationships with others and the world around them.
  • It directs human beings toward harmony with nature, morality, and the well-being of society.

10. Complementary to Divine Revelation

  • Fitrah is seen as complementary to divine revelation. The natural instincts and morality within human beings (Fitrah) are further refined and guided by the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the practices of the Prophet Muhammad).
  • While Fitrah provides the basic foundation, revelation gives the specifics and completes the understanding of right conduct.

 Fitrah in Islamic belief represents the natural state of purity, spirituality, and innate moral sensibility that humans are born with. It guides humans towards the recognition of God and helps them navigate life in a morally upright and spiritually connected manner. However, external influences can distort this natural disposition, and returning to Fitrah is considered a spiritual journey of purification and alignment with divine guidance.

Rule of Fitra:

Here are 3 key Zakat al Fite or Fitrana rules you need to know about: Fitrana must be paid once a year, during Ramadan before the Day of Eid. It is due on every household member, regardless of age or status.Fitrana equates to the cost of one meal,which must be received by the person in need before the Eid prayer.

Etiquette of Fitrah:

The Prophet mentioned," The  fitrah is five things: circumcision, shaving the public hairs, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails, and plucking the armpit hairs." Such practices are not mere rituals but emphasize cleanliness and the prevention of ailments.

Purpose of Zakat Fitrah:

Zakat fitrah also aims to cleanse oneself from minor sins that may occur during the fasting month of Ramadan. By paying zakat fitrah, Muslims are expected to purify their souls and cleanse their wealth from all deficiencies and impurities.

Importance about Fitrah in Islam:

The Importance of Fitrah in Islam

In Islam, Fitrah refers to the natural disposition or inherent nature with which every human being is born. It is the pure, innate understanding of the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), the natural inclination toward goodness, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. The concept of Fitrah holds great significance in Islamic teachings and has deep implications for both individuals and society. Here are several important aspects of Fitrah:

1. Innate Connection to Allah

Fitrah represents the natural, instinctive awareness of the Creator. According to a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Every child is born upon Fitrah, but his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian" (Sahih Muslim). This implies that every person is born with an intrinsic connection to the belief in the One God (Allah) and the capacity to understand basic moral values.

2. Guiding Moral Compass

Fitrah serves as a natural guide that helps humans distinguish between right and wrong. It is through this innate disposition that individuals can intuitively understand basic moral principles like kindness, justice, honesty, and respect. When people follow their Fitrah, they are inclined to engage in actions that promote goodness and avoid harmful behavior.

3. Universal Human Experience

The concept of Fitrah emphasizes that all human beings, regardless of their background, culture, or religion, share a common human nature. This universality promotes the idea of a shared humanity and fosters compassion, empathy, and understanding among individuals.

4. Spiritual Renewal and Guidance

Fitrah is not just a natural instinct but is also linked to the spiritual essence of a person. In Islam, it is believed that the guidance of religion helps nurture and strengthen Fitrah. The teachings of Islam, as revealed through the Quran and the Sunnah, guide individuals back to their innate, pure nature, providing them with a framework to lead a righteous life.

5. Prevention of Corruption

Fitrah serves as a protective factor that keeps individuals grounded in the truth. However, external influences, such as societal pressures, cultural norms, or personal desires, can lead a person away from their natural disposition. Islam stresses the importance of preserving and nurturing one’s Fitrah through education, reflection, and seeking closeness to Allah. This helps individuals avoid the corruption of their innate nature.

6. Role in Personal Development

Embracing one’s Fitrah is essential for personal development. By aligning one’s actions with their natural inclinations toward good and striving to live in accordance with Islamic teachings, individuals can attain personal growth, peace of mind, and spiritual fulfillment.

7. The Concept of Cleanliness and Purity

Fitrah is also associated with the concept of purity and cleanliness in Islam. The practice of certain actions, such as maintaining personal hygiene, circumcision, and trimming nails, is linked to the preservation of one’s Fitrah. These practices reflect the natural state of cleanliness that Islam encourages.

8. Path to Truth and Faith

Islam teaches that all individuals, regardless of their starting point in life, have the ability to return to their Fitrah, to rediscover the truth, and to embrace faith in Allah. The process of returning to Fitrah involves self-reflection, seeking knowledge, and understanding the divine message.

 Fitrah in Islam represents the natural and pure state that humans are born with, reflecting an innate connection to Allah and the principles of morality. Embracing one’s Fitrah is essential for living a righteous and fulfilling life, and it serves as the foundation for spiritual and personal growth. By nurturing and preserving the Fitrah, individuals can remain aligned with their natural disposition and live in harmony with the divine purpose.

Aspects about Fitrah:

The concept of fitrah in Islamic thought refers to the innate nature or natural disposition that every human being is born with. This inherent nature is believed to guide individuals toward understanding and following the basic principles of right and wrong, as well as recognizing the existence of a higher power. Below are several aspects of the concept of fitrah:

  1. Innate Understanding of the Divine: One of the central ideas in fitrah is that humans are born with an instinctive knowledge of God (Allah). This natural predisposition allows individuals to recognize the existence of a Creator and to seek spiritual fulfillment. It is often referred to as the "natural disposition" toward monotheism.
  2. Moral Compass: Fitrah provides a built-in moral compass, guiding people toward understanding basic concepts of right and wrong. This moral instinct is considered universal, transcending cultural, social, and religious differences. It is believed to be an internal sense of justice and fairness that leads to good behavior and ethical conduct.
  3. Tendency toward Purity: The concept of fitrah includes a natural inclination toward purity and goodness. Human beings are thought to be born in a state of purity, and it is external factors (such as societal influence or personal experiences) that may lead them away from this state of natural goodness.
  4. Resilience Against Corruption: While human beings may be influenced by negative external factors (such as sinful behaviors or harmful ideologies), fitrah offers a resilient foundation that can lead them back to a state of virtue and understanding, should they seek it.
  5. Universal and Shared: The idea of fitrah is considered universal and applicable to all human beings, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background. It represents a commonality that connects all people, suggesting that deep down, every human being shares a fundamental understanding of the same basic truths about existence.
  6. Path to Personal Fulfillment: By adhering to one’s fitrah and following its guidance, individuals are believed to be able to find personal happiness, fulfillment, and peace. The alignment of one's life with their inherent nature is seen as the path to true contentment and inner harmony.
  7. Influence on Religious Practice: In Islam, the fitrah is closely tied to religious teachings, as it is believed that one’s natural disposition is aligned with the core principles of faith. Following one's fitrah involves submitting to the worship of Allah, adhering to moral principles, and seeking knowledge and personal growth.
  8. Return to Fitrah through Reversion: For those who may have deviated from their natural disposition (for example, through wrong choices or external corruption), the concept of fitrah also suggests the potential for a return to one's innate state of purity and righteousness through repentance, spiritual awakening, or reversion to faith.
  9. Role in Human Development: The fitrah influences human development from infancy through adulthood. It is believed that children, in their early years, naturally incline toward good, before being influenced by external factors such as environment, upbringing, and societal norms.
  10. The Role of Prophets and Revelation: The guidance of prophets and divine revelation is seen as a means to reaffirm and clarify the natural guidance present in the fitrah. Prophets, according to Islamic belief, come to remind people of their original nature and to lead them back to the truth.

fitrah represents the inherent qualities and instincts that guide humans toward goodness, spirituality, and an understanding of the divine. It is a concept that emphasizes the purity and natural righteousness with which people are born, suggesting a universal bond between all human beings based on shared, innate principles.

Significance about The concept of Fitrah:

The concept of fitrah refers to the natural, inherent state or disposition with which human beings are created. It is a fundamental idea in Islamic thought and plays a significant role in understanding human nature, morality, and spiritual development. The term fitrah comes from the Arabic root word "f-t-r," which means "to create" or "to form," and is often understood as the natural inclination or instinct that guides humans toward goodness, truth, and worship of the Creator.

Key Significances of the Concept of Fitrah:

  1. Innate Belief in God: Fitrah is seen as an inherent recognition of the existence of God. According to Islamic teachings, every human is born with an innate awareness of the divine, and this predisposition leads to an eventual understanding or search for God. It is this natural state that draws individuals toward the concept of a higher power or ultimate Creator.
  2. Moral Compass: Fitrah also acts as an internal moral compass. It is believed that humans are born with an inherent sense of right and wrong, justice and injustice, and the capacity for empathy and kindness. This moral disposition helps guide behavior and contributes to a sense of ethical responsibility.
  3. Spiritual Purity: Fitrah is associated with spiritual purity, often described as a state of innocence that is untainted by external influences. In Islam, children are considered to be born in a state of fitrah, free from sin and in a state of spiritual harmony with God.
  4. Human Potential for Righteousness: The concept of fitrah underscores the human potential for righteousness and the ability to return to a state of purity and goodness, even if one has deviated from it due to life's challenges or moral failings. This idea emphasizes that people have the potential to reform and return to their natural disposition through conscious effort and repentance.
  5. Universal and Inclusive: The idea of fitrah suggests that all humans, regardless of cultural, racial, or religious background, share a common essence or natural disposition. It provides a common ground for understanding human nature and morality across different societies and religions.
  6. Guidance for Personal Growth: Fitrah serves as a reminder to individuals to reconnect with their true selves, to listen to their inner moral guidance, and to engage in self-reflection. The concept encourages people to align their actions with their natural state of purity and goodness, which can lead to greater spiritual and personal fulfillment.

Conclusion:

In summary, fitrah is central to the Islamic worldview and offers profound insights into human nature, morality, and spirituality. It emphasizes that humans are born with an innate connection to God, a natural sense of right and wrong, and the potential for spiritual and moral growth. Understanding fitrah helps foster a deeper appreciation for the shared humanity of all people and offers a path for self-improvement and righteousness.

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

 

Top of Form

 

 

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

 

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

 

 

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

 

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

 

Post a Comment

0Comments

Post a Comment (0)

#buttons=(Ok, Go it!) #days=(20)

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Learn more
Ok, Go it!