Definition and Meaning🌱
Fitra (فطرة) refers to the natural and innate disposition with which every human being is created by God. According to Islamic doctrine, every newborn is born with this pure, inherent nature known as fitra.
Etymology
The term Fitra comes from the Arabic root word ف-ط-ر (fa-ṭa-ra), which linguistically means to “create” or “originate.” In the Quran, God is described as Fatir (فاطر), the Creator, emphasizing God’s role in the primordial act of creation.
Background and Historical Facts
The roots of fitra can be traced back to the Quran and Hadith. In the Quran, it is said that God fashioned humans in the best mold (95:4), and the innate nature of fitra is emphasized in verse 30:30:
“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. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:30)
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also illuminated the concept of fitra in various sayings (Hadiths): “Every child is born upon the fitra and then his parents make him Jewish or Christian or Magian…” (Sahih Bukhari)
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In various Islamic cultural contexts, the concept of fitra plays a pivotal role in shaping ethical and moral values. It posits that at the core, humans are innately good and possess an inherent understanding of right and wrong, which can be overshadowed or redirected by external influences.
Synonyms:
- Innate Nature
- Primeval Purity
- Original Disposition
- Natural Instinct
Antonyms:
- Deviation
- Corruption
- Aberration
Related Terms
- Taqwa: Reverence for God, often associated with maintaining one’s fitra by avoiding sinful behavior.
- Qalb (Heart): The spiritual heart that can either be in alignment with the fitra or deviated from it.
- Dawah: The act of inviting others to Islam, which is seen as calling people back to their fitra.
Exciting Facts
- Fitra has also inspired the quest for self-purification in Sufism (Islamic mysticism), where the journey is often seen as a return to the original, untainted condition of the soul.
- Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) principles are often designed to protect and nurture the fitra by advocating for moral integrity and lawful behavior.
Quotations
- Imam Al-Ghazali, a renowned Islamic thinker, wrote: “Every human consideration… in its essence can return to fitra,” emphasizing the return to simplicity and purity at the core of Islamic spirituality.
References and Suggested Literature
- Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rum (30:30): Explore the theological basis of fitra.
- Sahih Bukhari: Contains hadiths that elaborate on the concept.
- “The Alchemy of Happiness” by Al-Ghazali: Discusses the purification of the soul in line with fitra.
- “Sufism: The Formative Period” by Ahmet T. Karamustafa.
Translations
Fitra (فطرة)
- Arabic: فطرة
- Indonesian: Fitrah
- Turkish: Fitre (Eid al-Fitra context)
- Bengali: ফিতর
Quizzes
Always remember that the essence of one’s purity, as created by the Divine, is within us all waiting to be aligned and realized.
Warm Regards,
Amina Al-Fahad
Published on October 4, 2023, by [Your Fictitious Publishing House]
Inspirational Thought: “As nature in its most untouched form reveals beauty, so does the human soul when it remains true to its innate purity.”
