Living by the Light of Fitrah: Embracing Our God-Given Nature and Abilities

In Islamic belief, every human being is born with a fitrah - a pure, innate disposition. This concept refers to the natural state in which Allah creates all people, encompassing not only belief in one God, but also an internal compass that guides us towards moral goodness, truth, and purity.

But beyond its theological and moral dimensions, fitrah also includes something many of us overlook - our unique, natural abilities and tendencies. From kindness to creativity, leadership to quiet reflection, these traits aren't random quirks - they are purposeful gifts from God.

The Layers of Fitrah

Fitrah is most commonly understood in three key contexts:

• Theological: An inherent awareness of God. While a person's upbringing and environment may influence their beliefs, the inner awareness of the Divine remains.
• Moral: A built-in sense of right and wrong. People often feel guilt or discomfort when they act unjustly - even without religious instruction - because their fitrah is responding.
• Practical: Natural behaviors that maintain human dignity and cleanliness, such as trimming nails, circumcision, and general hygiene.

Diversity by Design

Imagine a world where every person is born with a specific role - a natural gift that allows them to contribute meaningfully to their family, community, or society. Whether someone is drawn to teaching, building, healing, organizing, or expressing creativity, these tendencies are not coincidental. They are intentionally placed within us by Allah.

Just as an ecosystem thrives through balance and diversity, human societies are strongest when we allow different people to bring their unique strengths to the table. These differences are not flaws; they are part of a divine system of harmony and mutual support.

Working With, Not Against, Allah's Plan

Recognizing fitrah in this deeper sense calls for more than appreciation - it requires action.

We must acknowledge these natural abilities, accept them, and let them lead when the situation calls for it. This is not only a way to help individuals thrive, but a spiritual act of aligning ourselves with Allah's wisdom. Suppressing or dismissing someone's natural strengths - whether due to ego, bias, or tradition - is not just unkind. It is, in a way, resisting the design Allah intended for that person and the community.

To work against someone's fitrah is to work against the harmony Allah planned. But when we allow people to operate in their areas of strength, we create spaces of justice, mercy, and collective success.

What Can We Do?

Here are three simple ways we can honour the concept of fitrah in our daily lives:

1. Identify your strengths Reflect on your own natural inclinations. What do you enjoy doing? What comes easily to you? Recognise these as possible signs of your fitrah. These abilities can-and should-be developed, enhanced, and channeled with intention. Just like a seed grows into a tree with water, light, and care, our fitrah needs nurturing through: knowledge and education, spiritual practices and reflection, and supportive environments that encourage our natural strengths
2. Respect others' gifts Instead of expecting everyone to be the same, value the unique contributions of others - especially in group settings like families, teams, or communities.
3. Let ability lead When decisions need to be made or action is required, allow those best suited - by temperament or skill - to take the lead, regardless of status or hierarchy.