Fitrah (فِطْرَة) in Islam: A theological concept compared with the computer motherboard

Every member of the younger generation is well versed with the word "motherboard" - the foundation of a computer. Today, we will use the motherboard as a simple analogy to understand a theological concept based on the Arabic terminology "Fitrah" which is foundation of Islam and then will expand the meaning of Fitrah and reflect over its significance in Islam as the subconscious & instinctive awareness of Oneness of God (Tawhid).

To understand Fitrah, let us begin using a simple analogy of comparing it with the modern usage of word motherboard.

Relationship with Computer Motherboard and Fitrah in Islam

• The Computer Motherboard: Let us first understand what a computer motherboard is and how it functions. The computer motherboard comes from the factory with a specific design and architecture. It is built to support certain functions and has the capacity to connect components and operate correctly. The design exists before any software is installed.
• The Fitrah in Islam: In Islam, humans are created with a built-in fitrah. Fitrah is the original disposition Allah placed within us. It includes a natural capacity to recognize truth, seek meaning, appreciate morality, and turn toward God.
• Correlation
• Both the motherboard and Fitrah have fixed basic functions and capabilities. However, to use these specific to  our requirement, we need software. The software made to run the computer are countless and can be even tailor made to our specific work requirement. Likewise, culture, upbringing, and experiences are like the "software" installed later as far the Fitrah in Islam is concerned.
• That is why the Prophet ﷺ said every child is born upon fitrah, then external influences shape their beliefs and practices.

With this premise in view and general understanding of the terminology of Fitrah, let us turn to AL Qur'an and see how and why this word is used.

The verse Al Quran Surah Ar-Rum 30:30

"So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth—the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created mankind. There is no changing the creation of Allah. That is the upright religion, but most people do not know."

What is fitrah?

Now let us define what The Arabic word Fitrah (فِطْرَة) is. It comes from a root meaning "to originate," "to create," or "to bring forth." In Islamic thought, fitrah refers to the innate disposition with which Allah created human beings.

Classical scholars explain fitrah in slightly different but complementary ways:

• An innate recognition that there is a Creator.
• A natural inclination toward truth and worship of God.
• An inborn moral awareness that distinguishes good from evil.
• A disposition capable of accepting Islam when not distorted by external influences.

Fitrah does not mean that every person is born consciously knowing Islamic theology. Rather, it means human beings possess a natural orientation toward One True God, the sole creator of the entire universe and what all is contained therein, and truth. That is while the soul is naturally inclined toward goodness, external influences such as parents, culture, education, and society can shape a person's beliefs and sometimes cloud or suppress their original Fitrah.

Ibn Kathir emphasizes that "Allah created mankind upon a pure, uncorrupted natural constitution. At our core, humans are hardwired to believe in a Creator and acknowledge His singularity." The term Al-Fitrah here is equated directly with the religion of Islam (the straight, upright path). Fitrah thus is the spiritual equivalent of human instincts; just as the body has physical needs, the soul has a natural craving for truth and divine connection.

The most famous hadith on fitrah: 

• Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim narrate that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Every child is born upon fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian..."
• Scholars understood this to mean that the original human disposition is receptive to faith in God, while environment, culture, and upbringing shape later beliefs.

Other Quranic verses related to fitrah: Although the word fitrah itself appears explicitly in 30:30, several verses express related concepts:

• The covenant verse (7:172): 
• Allah describes taking testimony from the descendants of Adam: "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes, we testify."
• Many scholars connected this verse to the idea that humans possess a deep-rooted awareness of their Creator.
• The signs within ourselves (41:53):
• "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth."
• This verse suggests that both the external world and human nature point toward God.
• Turning to God in hardship (10:22–23, 29:65)
• The Quran repeatedly describes people who call upon God sincerely when facing danger, even if they neglect Him during times of ease. 
• Scholars often cite this as evidence of an innate inclination toward God that emerges when worldly distractions are removed.
• Human creation in the best form (95:4)
• "We have certainly created man in the best stature."
• This reflects the dignity and noble potential built into human nature.

How does fitrah relate to Da'wah (inviting non Muslims to Islam)?

A key implication of fitrah is that dawah is not viewed merely as giving people a new idea. Rather, it is often described as reminding people of something already embedded within them.

The Quran frequently describes the Prophet ﷺ as a "reminder" rather than someone forcing belief. For example: "So remind, for you are only a reminder." (88:21)

The dawah approach built on fitrah is therefore:

• Appeal to reason.
• Appeal to conscience.
• Appeal to the human search for meaning.
• Remove misconceptions about Islam.
• Invite rather than compel.

The assumption is that truth resonates with fitrah when presented clearly and sincerely.

How can one discuss fitrah with non-Muslims?

It's important to recognize that fitrah is ultimately a theological concept. You generally cannot "prove" it in the same way you prove a mathematical theorem. Instead, Muslims often explore questions that fitrah seeks to explain:

1. The universal search for meaning

• Across cultures and history, humans have sought (1) Purpose, (2) Morality, (3) Transcendence, (4) Worship
• Why is this tendency so widespread?

2. Objective morality

• Many people intuitively feel that (1) Murder is wrong. (2) Justice is good. (3) Compassion is noble.
• A fitrah-based discussion asks where these deep moral intuitions come from.

3. The question of God

• Many people, even those without religious training, naturally ask: (1) Why do we exist? (2) Why is there something rather than nothing? (3) Is there a Creator?
• Islam sees this questioning itself as consistent with fitrah.

4. Personal experience

Many converts to Islam describe a feeling that Islamic teachings "made sense" or resonated deeply with something they already felt but could not articulate. Muslims often interpret such experiences as fitrah responding to truth.

A balanced dawah approach

The Quran's approach combines several elements:

• Rational argument.
• Reflection on nature.
• Moral reflection.
• Historical examples.
• Spiritual invitation.

For example, when speaking with non-Muslims, one can discuss:

• The existence of God.
• The order and intelligibility of the universe.
• The human longing for meaning.
• The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Quran.
• The Islamic understanding of purpose and accountability.

At the same time, the Quran teaches: "There is no compulsion in religion." (2:256)

The goal of Da'wah is to present the message clearly, respectfully, and sincerely. From an Islamic perspective, guidance ultimately comes from Allah, while the caller's role is to communicate truth with wisdom and good character.

As many scholars have noted, one of the strongest demonstrations of fitrah in dawah is not merely argumentation but the visible embodiment of Islamic virtues—honesty, justice, mercy, humility, and integrity—because these qualities often resonate with people's innate moral sense.

How can we correlate fitrah with motherboard

Now coming back to our initial premise and by using computer motherboard as an analogy to understand the theological Islamic concept of Fitrah, as long as we remember that every analogy has limits.

A simple analogy Think of a computer motherboard:

• It comes from the factory with a specific design and architecture.
• It is built to support certain functions.
• It has the capacity to connect components and operate correctly.
• The design exists before any software is installed.

Similarly, in Islamic thought:

• Humans are created with a built-in fitrah.
• Fitrah is the original disposition Allah placed within us.
• It includes a natural capacity to recognize truth, seek meaning, appreciate morality, and turn toward God.
• Culture, upbringing, and experiences are like the "software" installed later.

A deeper comparison

            Motherboard                                     Fitrah

    Hardware design                                 Innate human nature

    Factory default state                             Original disposition created by Allah

    BIOS/Firmware settings                     Basic moral and spiritual orientation

    Software installed later                     Family, culture, education, ideology

    Malware can corrupt behavior             Sin, desires, false beliefs can obscure fitrah

    System reset can restore defaults           Repentance, reflection, guidance can reconnect a person with

                                                                   fitrah

Why this analogy can be useful in dawah

Many people today understand technology better than theology.

You might say: Islam teaches that humans are not born as blank slates. Just as a motherboard comes with an intended architecture, human beings come with an intended nature. We are "wired" to seek meaning, truth, morality, and ultimately our Creator.

This captures the Islamic idea that religion is not something completely foreign imposed on humanity; rather, it corresponds to something already present within human nature.

What happens where the analogy breaks down

Although we have tried to correlate a theological concept with the man made machine device purely as an academic discussion, many may argue that these two are can not be correlated for the reason of human limitation in designing a "machined creature" and unlimited powers and creativity of the Creator of the universe in front of which a motherboard is not an atom of the entire universe. This discussion is to agitate our minds and we must reflect over this correlation to ponder of the Divine wisdom, which many have tried to undermine.

But human mind, which is similar to a circuit board made of flesh has intellect ('aql), free choice (ikhtiyar) and can follow or resist their fitrah. And above all, is morally accountable.

So fitrah is not a deterministic program that forces belief in God. It is more like an innate orientation or compass. A compass points north, but a person can still choose to walk in another direction.

An even more accurate technology analogy

Instead of a motherboard, some scholars might prefer the analogy of a factory-installed operating system:

• The system comes with default settings.
• Over time, files, applications, and even malware can be added.
• The original system is still underneath, though it may become obscured.
• A reset can restore the intended configuration.

Likewise, Islam teaches that sins, desires, social conditioning, and false beliefs can cloud the fitrah, but they do not necessarily destroy it. This is why the Quran repeatedly calls people to remember, reflect, and return, rather than suggesting they must acquire an entirely new nature.

When the Quran says "There is no altering the creation of Allah," Ibn Kathir explains that this original nature is fundamentally perfect and true. While external societal, cultural, or environmental factors can cover, corrupt, or alter a person's behavior, the underlying spiritual core can never be completely removed or replaced. Unlike the motherboard whose entire orientation changes with change of processor, RAM, the graphic card, the core of the human soul can never be changed. The Fitrah stays inside the human body and no amount of distraction or even the change of brain and heart can replace it from human body. One may get disoriented like atheists, idolaters and those who believe God is not one but many, the inner and pure call remains intact. Those who turn back from the misleading path, repent and seek Divine forgiveness, find out that they are returning to the call which all along has been calling back to them to their Lord - the Only One God.

This also connects nicely to Quran 30:30: Islam presents itself not as something alien to human beings, but as something that aligns with the way Allah originally created them. The message of dawah, therefore, is often described as awakening or uncovering what is already embedded in the human soul.

Disclaimer: This post is published only for an academic reflection to show that Fitrah is embedded into every human beings whose linkages connect him to his Creator - whether he is aware of it or not. However, those who reflect over Fitrah, would find this linkage as an eye opener which may nullify many a man made myths and concepts.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For an Overview / and more selected verses from Sürah Ar Rum, please refer to our exclusive reference post on Sürah (30) ’Ar-Rūm (The Romans), already published.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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An immensely rewarding Prophetic Reassurance for the Reverts (Ḥadīth Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Man by nature is always in search pursuit for truth - the plain truth that straightaway moves hearts and makes eyes tearful. Ever seen a non Muslim taking his / her Shahādah (الشهادة), the “testimony” or “bearing witness” or the ultimate declaration of faith to come under the fold of Islam, the first of the Five Pillars, and the core of a Muslim’s identity? Well if not, do  observe it next time and you fall tears oozing out of the person taking Shahādah, which is instant and uncontrollable, as by taking Shahādah and proclaiming that there is no god But Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the servant and messenger of Allah, one enters the fold of Islam.

In Islam such an act is called REVERSION, and not conversion, for we in Islam  have the conviction (and has been told to us by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) that "No child is born but upon Fitrah. It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Polytheist." ("Fitra or fitrah (Arabic: فطرة) is an Arabic word that means 'original disposition', 'natural constitution' or 'innate nature'. In Islam, fitrah is the innate human nature that recognizes the oneness of God (tawhid). It may entail either the state of purity and innocence in which Muslims believe all humans to be born, or the ability to choose or reject God's guidance."  

That is: When a child is born, external factors do come into play e.g. a different religion or even a lack of religion around the child has an impact. The child remains in a natural state until they make a decision and conscience choice with regard to religion.

So by the above explanation of the meaning of Fitrah, we  Muslims believe that every child born is born as Muslim - it is only the external factors like the religion of one's parents that one assumes the religion adopted by them. But once a person grows and find the truth in Islam, he REVERTS to the Fitrah to become Muslim once again.

You may like to read our earlier post on Fitrah: Every child is born in a state of Fitrah (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

And now we come to another Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which comes as a reassurance to all the reverts about a Divine promise that has been made for them:

Narrated by Abu Sa'id Al Khudri:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If a person embraces Islam sincerely, then Allah shall forgive all his past sins, and after that starts the settlement of accounts, the reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and one evil deed will be recorded as it is unless Allah forgives it."

Arabic Text:

قَالَ مَالِكٌ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدُ بْنُ أَسْلَمَ، أَنَّ عَطَاءَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ، أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ أَبَا سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيَّ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّهُ، سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ إِذَا أَسْلَمَ الْعَبْدُ فَحَسُنَ إِسْلاَمُهُ يُكَفِّرُ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُلَّ سَيِّئَةٍ كَانَ زَلَفَهَا، وَكَانَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ الْقِصَاصُ، الْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ، وَالسَّيِّئَةُ بِمِثْلِهَا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَتَجَاوَزَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا ‏"‏‏.‏

Since reversion is one of the ultimate and biggest decision of one's life, the reward for this decision is even bigger as mentioned in the above quoted Hadith which spells out:

• All pre-Islam sins are erased at the moment of sincere acceptance.
• All prior good deeds (even done as a non-Muslim) are preserved, and rewarded later—once Muslim.
• Future deeds get multiplied (good deeds tenfold to seven hundredfold by default).
• Future sins are only counted once—unless Allah grants forgiveness.

Divine Assurance as stated in the Qurʾān

It is in the context of the above Hadith, that we have chosen references from the Qurʾān in which Allah has promised great reward for the reverts: 

• Islam wipes out all what preceded
• “Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease, what has previously occurred will be forgiven for them; but if they return [to hostility], then the precedent of the former peoples has already taken place.” - Qur’ān 8:38 (Surah Al‑Anfāl, verse 38)
• This verse clearly establishes the principle that embracing Islam—at the Prophet’s call—leads to the forgiveness of previous sins.
• Allah forgives all sins
• “Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves! Do not despair of Allah’s mercy, for Allah forgives all sins.” Surah Az‑Zumar 39:53 
• Despair has no place in the heart of one who sincerely accepts Islam and turns to the Most Forgiving.
• Sins turned into good deeds
• “Except those who repent, believe, and do righteous deeds—Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And Allah is Ever‑Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al‑Furqan 25:70) 
• Although this verse addresses repentance, the same mercy extends to those who sincerely revert to Islam and seek Allah's mercy for the past sins.
• Multiplication of good deeds
• “Whoever comes with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof… and whoever comes with an evil deed will have only the recompense of the like thereof.” (Surah Al‑An‘âm 6:160; Qurʾān 2:261) 

Corroborating Hadiths from Ṣaḥîḥ Collections

• Intention counts, even if deed left undone: “Whoever intends a good deed but does not do it… Allah writes it as a full good deed. If he does it, Allah writes 10–700 of it... Whoever intends evil but does not act, Allah writes a good deed; but if he does, it’s written as one evil deed.” Ṣaḥîḥ Bukhârî & Muslim (Ibn ‘Abbâs) 
• Reversion to Islam and sincere repentance erase all past sins: “Didn’t you know that Islam erases what came before it? That hijrah erases what came before it? And that Hajj erases what came before it?” (Reported by ‘Amr ibn al‑‘Âs to Ibn Mas‘ûd; Ṣaḥîḥ Muslim) 

Why This Ḥadīth Matters

• Full Mercy on Embracing Islam: One reverts to a zero-spiritual-balance state—sin-free.
• Past good deeds retained: Acts like truthfulness, kindness, charity done earlier count and will be rewarded.
• Higher Return on Future Good: Default 10×–700× multiplier avoids injustice; Allah may increase further.
• Accountability within limits: Sin is recorded but Allah’s mercy is prioritized unless He decrees otherwise.
• Motivation to repent and reform: Each day after conversion is a new opportunity to start afresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having described the immensely rewarding reassurance to the reverts, let us answer a few questions that usually crop in the minds of the reverts:

• Q: What if someone embraced Islam insincerely?
• Sincerity (niyyah) is the condition. If the Shahādah lacks full belief and resolve, the forgiveness may not apply.
• The hadith clearly states, “if a person embraces Islam sincerely…” 
• Q: Are prior sins truly erased even if rights of others are involved?
• Rights owed to people remain.
• Allah will surely forgive offences between you and Allah
• But you may still need to restore rights to others (e.g. property). 
• Q: Do new Muslims still need to repent after submitting?
• Yes. Embracing Islam wipes past sins not the future. 
• Thus repentance (tawba) retains power to remove any future slip according to general Qurʾānic and Prophetic teaching (e.g., Qurʾān 25:70, 39:53; hadith about repeated seeking forgiveness). 

Summary

• Sincerity in reversion to  Islam is tantamount to a clean slate. You begin anew, no past sins.
• However, the former good actions remain eligible for reward.
• Future deeds are multiplied, adding immense opportunities for standing with Allah.
• While sins after conversion are recorded, if prevented by repentance, they may be forgiven.

This hadith reflects the vast generosity and merciful policy of Allah: guiding one to Islam, wiping past evil, honoring past good, and opening the path to righteousness and multiplied rewards henceforth.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith: Sahîḥ al‑Bukhârî, Book 2 No. 41 / in some editions Book 24 No. 4998‑99  | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imam of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Is there a correlation between Qur'an Surah 7. Al A'raf verse 172 and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Fitrah

Every saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has a correlation with verses of Qur'an and is thus a prophetly explanation of what is contained in Qur'an. Sometime back we shared a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Fitrah.  "Fitra or fitrah (Arabic: فطرة) is an Arabic word that means 'original disposition', 'natural constitution' or 'innate nature'. In Islam, fitrah is the innate human nature that recognizes the oneness of God (tawhid). It may entail either the state of purity and innocence in which Muslims believe all humans to be born, or the ability to choose or reject God's guidance." 

The Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrated by Abu Huraira states:

"No child is born but upon Fitrah. It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Polytheist." A person said: Allah's Messenger, what is your opinion if they were to die before that (before reaching the age of adolescence when they can distinguish between right and wrong)? He said: It is Allah alone Who knows what they would be doing. 

we have already written a detailed post on this Hadith: Every child is born in a state of Fitrah (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), which may be referred to for better understanding of the Hadith.

This Hadith of Fitrah is deeply related to Qur’an 7:172 in Islamic theology. Both refer to the idea of an inherent, primordial recognition of God placed within human beings. Let's explore their meanings and how they correlate.

The Hadith of Fitrah

Fitrah according to many Islamic scholars, includes a basic recognition of Tawhid (the Oneness of God). It implies that belief in Allah is embedded in the human soul right from birth.

Qur’an 7:172

Now let us find a correlation between the above quoted Hadith with the 172nd verse of Surah 7. Al A'raf given herein under:

وَإِذْ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ مِن ظُهُورِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ ۛ شَهِدْنَآ ۛ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَـٰذَا غَـٰفِلِينَ 

And ˹remember˺ when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants and had them testify regarding themselves. ˹Allah asked,˺ “Am I not your Lord?” They replied, “Yes, You are! We testify.” ˹He cautioned,˺ “Now you have no right to say on Judgment Day, ‘We were not aware of this.’

Eminent Muslim scholar Imam Ahmad bin Humbal in his book explains:

God gathered all human beings, divided them into different groups, granted them human form and the faculty of speech, made them enter into a covenant, and then making them witnesses against themselves He asked them: 'Am I not your Lord?' They replied: 'Assuredly you are Our Lord.' Then God told them: 'I call upon the sky and the earth and your own progenitor, Adam, to be witness against you lest you should say on the Day of Judgement that you were ignorant of this. Know well that no one other than Me deserves to he worshipped and no one other than Me is your Lord. So do not ascribe any partner to Me. I shall send to you My Messengers who will remind you of this covenant which you made with Me. I shall send down to you My Books.' In reply all said: 'We witness that You are Our Lord and our Deity. We have no lord or deity other than You.' (Ahmad b. Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 5, p. 135 - Ed.)

This verse thus describes that:

• The "Primordial Covenant" (Mithaq) that Allah took from all human souls before their earthly existence.
• All souls affirmed God’s Lordship with the response "Bala" (Yes!).
• This testimony serves as a foundational awareness that humans are accountable to recognize and worship Allah.

Now let us try to find a correlation between the Hadith and the Verse of Surah Al A'raf:

Innate Knowledge of God

• Hadith of Fitrah: Every child is born with a natural inclination toward belief in One God.
• Qur'an 7:172: Every soul testified to God's Lordship before birth.

Accountability

• Hadith of Fitrah: People deviate due to external influences (e.g., parents, society).
• Qur'an 7:172: Humans cannot claim ignorance of God’s existence on Judgment Day.

Divine Imprint

• Hadith of Fitrah: God instills Fitrah as part of human nature.
• Qur'an 7:172: God extracted a testimony from human souls, forming a spiritual imprint.

Original Purity

• Hadith of Fitrah: Fitrah is a symbol of original spiritual purity.
• Qur'an 7:172: The Primordial Covenant reflects pre-earthly spiritual awareness.

Conclusion

The Hadith of Fitrah and Qur’an 7:172 complement each other by reinforcing the idea that human beings have an inborn awareness of God. While the Hadith highlights the role of nurture and external influences, the Qur'anic verse focuses on a pre-temporal, spiritual event that binds all souls to divine accountability.

Together, the Hadith and the Qur'anic verse underpin a major Islamic theological point: belief in God is natural and intrinsic, not acquired, and deviation from it is due to external, worldly influences.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo: Pixabay| Qur'an and Hadith References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | Source of Hadith

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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Every child is born in a state of Fitrah (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

A Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrated by Abu Huraira states:

"No child is born but upon Fitrah. It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Polytheist." A person said: Allah's Messenger, what is your opinion if they were to die before that (before reaching the age of adolescence when they can distinguish between right and wrong)? He said: It is Allah alone Who knows what they would be doing.

In order to understand the above quoted Hadith, let us explain what Fitrah means. "Fitra or fitrah (Arabic: فطرة) is an Arabic word that means 'original disposition', 'natural constitution' or 'innate nature'. In Islam, fitrah is the innate human nature that recognizes the oneness of God (tawhid). It may entail either the state of purity and innocence in which Muslims believe all humans to be born, or the ability to choose or reject God's guidance." [1]

That is: When a child is born, external factors do come into play e.g. a different religion or even a lack of religion around the child has an impact. The child remains in a natural state until they make a decision and conscience choice with regard to religion.

The Hadith is best explained by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq as it appears in Islam Reigns as under: [2]

What is the meaning of fitrah in this case if it doesn’t mean Islam? The Shaykh explained that it means ‘natural state’ which is one of purity and cleanliness unaffected by external factors. If one was left in this natural, uncorrupted and pristine state then they would surely be guided to the beauty and truth of Islam. The natural state is such that it brings a person close to Islam and that person is more receptive and inclined towards religion. There is a primordial instinct and recollection of Allah and the truth of Islam. However, the Shaykh explained that it is not Islam itself.

There is a hadith of Sahee Muslim that can help one understand this issue more. Once the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was on a journey and they heard a shepherd calling out and they heard him calling out ‘Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar’. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said ‘He is upon Fitrah’. The man then said the shahadah (testimony of faith). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said ‘Now he has saved himself from the fire’.  

The first statement did not make him a Muslim it was the natural instinct which stirred within him and he said ‘Allah is the Greatest’. The latter statement made him a Muslim.

When a child is born, external factors do come into play e.g., a different religion or even a lack of religion around the child has an impact. The child remains in a natural state until they make a decision and conscience choice with regard to religion.

According to William Chittick, the Koran and the Hadith suggest that humans possess an innate capacity to understand reality as it is, but their environment obscures this ability. The prophets' role is to remind people of the knowledge they already have, while humans just need to remember it. Once they recall this knowledge, they return to their innate capacity, which has always been a part of them and never truly separate. [1]

So let us, dear brothers and sisters in Islam, provide our children a space to understand Islam right from their initial grooming so that instead of being born Muslims notion, they grow up in an environment which teaches them how to be a good human being by believing the Oneses of Allah, Qur'an and the very life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ so as to make them a Muslim of understanding and firm beleif.

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book (#46) of Destiny - كتاب  القدر   / Chapter # 6 The Meaning Of "Every Child Is Born in a State of Fitrah" And the Ruling on The Dead Children of The Disbelievers and of the Muslims. / (11)باب مَعْنَى كُلِّ مَوْلُودٍ يُولَدُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ وَحُكْمِ مَوْتِ أَطْفَالِ الْكُفَّارِ وَأَطْفَالِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ) as Hadith number # 2658 e.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Resource References: | 1. Wikipedia | 2. Islam Reigns |

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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