This excerpt is taken from Ibn Taymiyyah’s book “Ibn Taymiyyah Expounds on Islam”.
According to this text, he explains that every human being is born with a natural inclination towards Islam, referred to as “fitrah.” This inherent nature is uncorrupted and ready to accept the true ideas of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that all people are born with fitrah, and it is their parents and society that influence them to follow other religions. Fitrah is seen as the original, unspoiled state of humanity, willing to submit to Allah as the only true God.
However, it is important to note that being born with fitrah does not mean that a person is born with Islamic beliefs. When individuals are born, they have a pure heart but lack knowledge or understanding of any religion. If their heart remains uncorrupted and unaffected by external influences, they have the potential to embrace Islam. The erroneous beliefs of other religions are seen as veils that hinder people from recognizing the truth of Islam. Fitrah is compared to the light of the eye, which can perceive the sun if there are no obstructions.
In summary, the concept of fitrah suggests that every human being is born with a natural inclination towards Islam. If not influenced by family or society, individuals would inherently recognize and embrace Islam. Fitrah represents the uncorrupted state of the heart, ready to accept the truth of Islam. However, individuals are not born with specific Islamic beliefs but possess the potential to develop them if their heart remains unspoiled. The erroneous beliefs of other religions are seen as obstacles that prevent people from perceiving the truth of Islam.
