Human Fitrah as a Foundation for Islamic Faith and Moral Education

Abstract

Human beings are created in the best form, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions that function in biological and psychological domains. In Islamic thought, this dual structure is endowed with inherent dispositions known as fitrah, referring to the innate potential toward truth, goodness, and recognition of divine guidance. This study aims to examine the concept of fitrah and its role in shaping human faith and moral development. This research employs a qualitative library-based approach, drawing on primary sources such as the Qur’an and Hadith, as well as classical Islamic scholarship. The analysis is conducted using conceptual and thematic analysis to interpret key ideas related to human nature, potentiality, and deviation from innate dispositions. The findings indicate that fitrah represents a foundational spiritual capacity present from the earliest stage of human existence, including pre-earthly existence, which directs individuals toward belief in God and ethical conduct. However, environmental, social, and educational influences may lead to deviations from this innate disposition. This study contributes to Islamic educational discourse by providing a systematic conceptualization of fitrah as a basis for faith formation and moral education. It highlights the importance of aligning educational practices with human innate potential, thereby offering a framework for strengthening religious consciousness and ethical development in contemporary contexts.