One of the fundamental objectives of Islam is to establish a system of life that safeguards the security of life, intellect, property, lineage, and religion. In Islamic law, these five essential goals are referred to collectively as “al-dharuriyyat alkhams.” Among them, the significance of the family particularly in preserving lineage is beyond the need for explanation. The family is an indispensable institution for meeting both the biological and psychological needs of human beings, as well as for preserving human nature (fitrah) and lineage. In Islamic faith and civilization, the family is regarded as a moral school and an educational sanctuary where people learn the values that prepare them for life. Every human being receives their first education within the family, where they learn religious and moral values, and complete their physical and spiritual development within this environment. The realms of belief, thought, conscience, and morality in people’s lives, as well as their identities, personalities, and character, are shaped by the values of the families into which they are born and raised. From this perspective, the family is not only the most solid foundation for socialization along the axis of values that give life its meaning, but also the most essential source of both individual and societal peace. In fact, Allah the Almighty draws attention to the family home as a source of tranquility and serenity by declaring: “And Allah has made your homes a place to rest” (Nahl, 16:80).
Particularly with regard to the fulfillment of emotions such as love, respect, and trust, there is no alternative social structure that can replace the family. True peace is only attainable through a family institution that is built upon solid foundations, functions in a healthy manner, and reinforces a shared awareness of living together on the basis of rights and responsibilities. For this reason, the family has occupied a central place in Islam’s ideal of the virtuous person and the moral society. The Qur’an and the sunnah place great emphasis on the establishment and protection of the family. As a prophetic tradition, the family is founded upon a sacred contract, and comprehensive rulings, principles, and standards have been provided concerning every aspect of family life—from its legal framework to its moral dimension, from the language of communication within the family to the manner of interpersonal conduct. In the Qur’an, which builds a consciousness regarding the family through its messages, the relationship between spouses is described with the metaphor: “Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them” (Baqarah, 2:187). This metaphor of “garment” points to the protective, supportive, and beautifying functions of the family institution. A family that is brought to life with such awareness becomes a unique environment in which all forms of human virtue can flourish and through which all moral values can be carried into the future. The institution of the family, which has always stood at the center of social life throughout history, will undoubtedly continue to preserve this role in the future. However, it is also a historical reality that this vital institution has constantly faced various threats. In this regard, many destructive factors that have shaken the foundation of the family and undermined familial values throughout history can be identified. Particularly in our present age characterized by rapid and far-reaching globalization due to the advancement of communication and interaction tools—these factors have become even more pronounced. It is an undeniable fact that an ideology emerging in one part of the world can swiftly influence other parts. Within this process, certain deviant ideologies that deem family formation and familial life insignificant are causing serious harm to the intellectual and emotional well-being of new generations. For this reason, today, more than ever before, greater sensitivity and effort are required to protect the family and the fitrah. Undoubtedly, various deviant ideologies, approaches, and practices that threaten the fitrah and the family have always existed as manifestations of the tradition of the Age of Ignorance (jahiliyyah). However, it is also a fact that the destructive impact of such approaches in our time is more extensive and far-reaching than ever before. At this point, the role of new media tools, which enable global and rapid social interaction, must never be overlooked. Indeed, through these platforms, perception manipulation is being carried out insidiously, whereby people’s emotions and thoughts are easily influenced, and attitudes contrary to the sound fitrah are being promoted. A lifestyle centered solely on pleasure, in which all values are reduced to instruments of consumption without any moral boundaries, is being aggressively imposed on the public through media. Generations exposed to this are inevitably experiencing serious intellectual erosion in their beliefs, values, culture, and morality. At the current stage, behaviors that corrupt natural disposition (fitrah) are being aggressively encouraged, and particularly the emotional and intellectual integrity of young people are being exploited through gender-centered manipulation. This poses a grave problem that must be addressed with urgency, especially concerning the family institution and the future of humanity. It must be understood that targeting the institution of the family is, in essence, targeting the fitrah. It is the destruction of truth, justice, and morality. Therefore, the downfall of societies that remain silent and indifferent in the face of this degeneration of the family institution is inevitable. For this reason, recognizing the attempts that aim to disrupt the balance and peace of individual and social life, standing up for the truth against them, and protecting both the fitrah and the family are among the most fundamental human responsibilities for everyone. In this regard, what must be done is to develop awareness of every harmful movement, activity, and structure that threatens the family and to take comprehensive and effective measures. It is imperative to strengthen a life aligned with the fitrah under the guidance of revelation, acting with the awareness that the family plays a vital role in upholding human dignity and preserving future generations.
