FITRAH – فطرة

Literally: Creation, original mold, or inherent disposition.

Etymology: Derived from the Arabic root f-t-r (ف ط ر), which signifies to split, cleave, or bring into existence from nothing, fitrah etymologically denotes the original mold, design and fundamental constitution upon which all beings and humanity are fashioned.

As an Islamic Term: The moral and religious status of an infant, which is Islâm. It denotes the fundamental creational power bestowed within the human disposition to recognise Allah as the Creator of everything. It encompasses the true religion as taught by all the Prophets, the customary rule and practice of Muhammad (asm), and Allah's covenant with Âdam (as) (see Surah al-Rûm 30:30; Surah al-A‘râf 7:172).

Fitrah Speaks the Truth

The fitrah does not lie, whatever it says is the truth. The inclination to grow, the tongue of the seed, says: "I shall sprout and produce fruit..", and what it says is proved true.

The desire for life murmurs in the depths of the egg: "With Ilahî permission, I shall be a chick." What it says is true.

If a handful of water intends to freeze inside an iron cannon-ball when the temperature falls

The inclination to expand within it says: "Expand! I need more space." This command cannot be gainsaid.

Strong iron strives, but cannot prove it wrong; the water's truthfulness and honesty split the iron.

All these inclinations are takwînî commands, Ilahî decrees. They are all fıtrî Sharî’ah, all manifestations of Irâdah.

Ilahî Irâdah directs all beings, in this way: all inclinations are a conforming to the Rabbânî commands.

The manifestation in the conscience is the same; attraction and ecstasy are two polished souls,

Two burnished mirrors, within which are reflected Sempiternal Beauty, and the nûr of îmân.” The Words ( 734 )

O you, my nafs performing-riyâ! Do not be proud by saying, "I served religion." According to the mystery of اِنَّ اللّهَ لَيُؤَيِّدُ هذَا الدِّينَ بِالرَّجُلِ الْفَاجِرِ1 , you should know yourself to be that sinful (Fâjir) man since you are not purified (tazkiyyah). Accept your service and ‘ubûdiyyah as the shukr for ni’mahs already given to you, and as the duty of fitrah, the obligation of creation and the result of art. And be saved from vanity and riyâ!

The Twenty-Sixth Word/Conclusion