Fitrah (Natural Disposition)

Definition

Fitrah (فطرة) refers to the innate natural disposition with which every human being is born. In Islamic theology, this includes an inherent recognition of Allah as the Creator and a natural inclination toward monotheism (tawhid) and moral goodness.

Quranic and Hadith Basis

Allah says: '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. That is the correct religion, but most people do not know' (Quran 30:30). The Prophet said: 'Every child is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Zoroastrian' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1385).

Theological Implications

The concept of fitrah establishes that belief in Allah is not learned but innate. It forms the basis of the Islamic understanding that all human beings are born in a state of purity and natural submission to Allah. This differs from the concept of original sin found in some other traditions. Islam teaches that children who die before reaching puberty are in Paradise, as they have not yet been held accountable.

Fitrah Practices

The Sunnah also uses fitrah to refer to practices of natural hygiene: circumcision, trimming the mustache, growing the beard, using the siwak (tooth-stick), cutting the nails, removing armpit and pubic hair, and cleaning with water after using the restroom (Sahih Muslim 257).