Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Fitra

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Fitra, or fitrah (Arabic: فطرة‎‎; ALA-LC: fiṭrah), is an Arabic word that has no exact English equivalent although it has been translated as 'primordial human nature', and as "instinct" or common sense ('urf).

According to Islamic theology, human beings are born with an innate inclination of tawhid (Oneness), which is encapsulated in the fitra along with compassion, intelligence, ihsan and all other attributes that embody what it is to be human. It is for this reason that some Muslims prefer to refer to those who embrace Islam as reverts rather than converts, as it is believed they are returning to a perceived pure state. The perfect embodiments of fitra were Abraham and Muhammad.

It has also been suggested that a close approximation, in terms of Western philosophy, is Kant's concept of 'ought'. In a mystical context, it can connote intuition or insight and is similar to the Calvinist term Sensus divinitatis.

Root of word

  • The root verb means to split or cleave
  • Implies opening up and coming out
  • The term Fitra means 'to bring forth', 'to originate', 'to knead and shape dough'.
  • References

    Fitra Wikipedia