The concept of Fitrah (natural disposition) in Islamic thought is understood as the innate nature or primordial state in which all humans are created. It represents an intrinsic inclination towards goodness, truth, and the recognition of God. However, interpretations of Fitrah vary across different Islamic schools of thought, philosophical traditions, and theological perspectives. Here are some key interpretations:1. Qur’anic Perspective:The Qur’an mentions Fitrah in Surah Al-Rum (30:30), stating: “So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the Fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people.” This is often interpreted as an innate, God-given inclination towards monotheism and submission to Allah.2. Theological Interpretations:Ash’ari School: Emphasises that Fitrah is a predisposition towards the knowledge of God, but without innate detailed knowledge. It highlights the importance of divine revelation in guiding this natural disposition.Mu’tazilite School: Views Fitrah as an intrinsic rational capacity, stressing human free will and moral responsibility. They argue that Fitrah includes an innate understanding of good and evil.Salafi Interpretation: Emphasises that Fitrah includes the innate knowledge of Tawhid (the oneness of God) and the natural inclination towards worshipping Allah. Corruption of Fitrah occurs due to external influences such as upbringing and societal factors.3. Philosophical and Sufi Interpretations:Sufi Perspective: Fitrah is seen as a spiritual state of purity and closeness to God. Sufis often interpret it as a connection to the divine reality, which can be clouded by worldly distractions and sins.Islamic Philosophy: Philosophers like Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) consider Fitrah as the natural intellect and the soul’s capacity to know universal truths. It reflects a balance of reason and spiritual intuition.4. Psychological Interpretation:In modern contexts, Fitrah is sometimes linked to the psychological concept of the “true self,” which, if uncorrupted, naturally seeks ethical living and spiritual fulfilment. It includes a natural inclination towards empathy, kindness, and seeking purpose.5. Sociological and Legal Interpretations:Sociological View: Some scholars argue that Fitrah represents a universal moral code embedded within humanity, influencing social behaviour and ethics.Legal (Fiqh) Perspective: In Islamic jurisprudence, Fitrah is associated with certain practices like circumcision and personal hygiene, which are seen as actions that align with one’s natural state and purity.6. Contemporary Interpretations:In contemporary Islamic thought, Fitrah is increasingly discussed in terms of environmental ethics, human rights, and the preservation of natural human dignity. It is seen as the foundation of an individual’s inherent rights and responsibilities.Each interpretation of Fitrah reflects a nuanced understanding of human nature, spirituality, and ethics in Islamic thought, highlighting its centrality in discussions about morality, identity, and the human condition.
Sufyan Kori Answered question August 28, 2024