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What were the classical scholar views on the fitra?

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In a Nutshell - Classical scholars Views on Fitra

The concept of "fitrah" in Islamic thought refers to the innate disposition or natural state with which every human is born. It is often associated with an inherent inclination towards tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and moral purity. The views of several classical Islamic scholars on this topic highlight that while every individual is born with this innate disposition, external influences, particularly from parents and society, can alter this original state.


Background - Fitra (Natural Disposition)

The term "fitrah" appears in various Islamic texts, including the Qur'an and Hadith. Linguistically, it implies an original state or natural constitution.

Fitrah is significant in Islam as it suggests every human being is born with a natural inclination towards recognizing Allah and adhering to the principles of Islam.

This concept is often cited in discussions about the inherent nature of mankind and the influences of environment and upbringing on an individual's faith and actions.


Opinions of Classical Scholars on Fitrah: Linguistic and Shari'ah Evidences

  1. Imam al-Ghazali:

    • Opinion: "The original constitution (fitrah) upon which God fashioned mankind is inclining towards correct beliefs and pure deeds."
    • Evidence:
      • Linguistically, fitrah refers to an innate, natural disposition.
      • The Qur'an states that Allah created man in the best of forms (95:4), with an innate inclination towards tawhid and good deeds.
  2. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya:

    • Opinion: "Humans are born with an innate, natural disposition (fitrah) inclined towards Tawhid and submission to Allah."
    • Evidence:
      • Fitrah linguistically means creation, nature, instinct.
      • The hadith states every child is born upon fitrah but his parents make him Christian or Jewish (Sahih al-Bukhari) and the Qur'an states Allah created man in the best of forms inclined to tawhid (95:4, 30:30).
  3. Al-Bayhaqi:

    • Opinion: "Every child is born in a state of fitrah. It is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian or Magian."
    • Evidence:
      • Fitrah refers to the innate state in which all children are born.
      • The hadith supports this - children are born upon fitrah but influenced by parents (Sahih al-Muslim).
  4. Ibn Taymiyyah:

    • Opinion: "The natural state (fitrah) of mankind is to recognize tawhid and the deen of Islam."
    • Evidence:
      • Linguistically, fitrah refers to a natural, innate disposition.
      • The Qur'an states that Allah created man in the best of forms with an innate inclination to tawhid (30:30, 95:4).
  5. Abdullah ibn Abbas:

    • Opinion: "Every child is born upon the fitrah, but it is his parents that turn him into a Jew, Christian or Zoroastrian."
    • Evidence:
      • Fitrah linguistically means natural constitution.
      • The hadith supports this. Children are born on fitrah but influenced later (Ahmad).
  6. Al-Tabari:

    • Opinion: "The natural disposition (fitrah) upon which Allah fashioned mankind is the upright religion."
    • Evidence:
      • Fitrah linguistically means primaeval nature.
      • The Qur'an affirms Allah created man inclined to tawhid (30:30).

Misconceptions

  1. Fitrah Equates to Religion at Birth: A common misconception is that fitrah dictates a child's religion at birth. However, fitrah refers more to an innate disposition towards goodness and monotheism rather than a specific religious identity.
  2. Fitrah is Unchangeable: Some believe fitrah is a static, unchangeable state. In contrast, classical scholars assert that external factors can influence and alter a person's fitrah.
  3. Fitrah Denotes Only Islamic Inclination: While fitrah is associated with an inclination towards Islam, it is primarily about the natural tendency towards monotheism and moral righteousness.


Conclusion

Fitrah, as understood by classical Islamic scholars, underscores a fundamental Islamic teaching: every human is born with a natural inclination towards goodness and the recognition of a singular divine creator. However, this innate disposition can be shaped and altered by societal and environmental influences. Understanding fitrah helps in appreciating the dynamic interplay between inherent nature and external factors in shaping a person's faith and character.


FAQs - Fitra

  1. What is the definition of fitrah in Islamic theology?

    • Fitrah is the innate disposition or natural state with which every person is born, characterized by an inclination towards tawhid and moral purity.
  2. Does fitrah mean that every child is born Muslim?

    • Not exactly. While fitrah involves an inherent tendency towards recognizing a single creator and goodness, it is more about the natural state rather than a specific religious label.
  3. Can fitrah be altered or influenced?

    • Yes, according to Islamic scholars, fitrah can be influenced by external factors like upbringing, environment, and societal norms.
  4. How is fitrah relevant in understanding human nature?

    • Fitrah provides a lens to view the inherent predisposition of humans towards faith and goodness and how it interacts with the external world.
  5. Do all Islamic scholars agree on the concept of fitrah?

    • While there is a general consensus on the existence of fitrah, scholars may differ in their interpretations of its nature and the extent of its influence.

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