Being born as a Muslim:
Is there such as thing?

Mohammad Omar Farooq

 

From: Mohammad Farooq  <farooqm59@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 1999 4:37am
Subject: [NABIC-L] Being born as "Muslims"? - Part II

Assalamu alaikum.

In Part I of this thread, in regard to the statement "Every child is born as  MUSLIM (Mumin - innocent)" I mentioned that:

>There is absolutely NO VERSE in the Qur'an that says this. Indeed, there is
>no Hadith (a narration from the Prophet) either that says: "Every child is
>born as *** MUSLIM (Mu'min-innocent)" ***. Please particularly note the
>part I have marked. There is a similar statement but it does not say what I
>have marked separately within the asterisks. If you think I am incorrect in
>this regard, let us know.

Let me clarify. There are several reports of Hadith stating as, for example,:

Narrated Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism, Christianity or Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: "The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith of Islam) (i.e. worshipping none but Allah) with which He has created human beings. No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. joining none in worship with Allah). That is the straight religion (Islam) but most of men know, not." (30.30) [Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 441]

Actually, the very first sentence in the above Hadith says: "Every person is born on the FITRAH." The Hadith does not use the word Islam/Mumin/Muslim/innocent in the actual text. Translators often have a tendency to unduly substitute words. Indeed, Allah's "Islamic nature" as mentioned in the above Hadith is also a problematic substitution of the word "Fitrah" in the Arabic text. "Islamic nature" based on "submission" applies to us, but not to Allah. Also, in the above Hadith, the referred verse mentions "Religion of Allah". Actually, the Qur'an says "Khalqillah" - meaning "the creation of Allah." Such translation is ABSOLUTELY unacceptable.

As I said, there is no Hadith that says that every person is born as a "Muslim/Mumin/innocent". But, some might say, is it not understood that Fitrah signifies Islam? One can argue so. But the Hadith must be translated based on what it says; not based on our interpretive or extrapolative meaning.

Consider the following.

"This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear God." [2/al-Baqara/2]

Does anyone have any doubt, or is there any controversy, as to what "the Book" in the above verse is referring to? It is indisputably agreed that it is referring to the Qur'an. Would it be alright then, if we translate that verse as "This is the Qur'an"? If not, then it ought to be clear that in translating a Hadith we should not confuse with interpretive or extrapolative meaning. This is just one example from the Qur'an. You will find many more, where we won't accept such substitution with "interpretive or extrapolative" meaning.

The meaning of the word FITRAH includes "nature," "natural disposition," "innate character".

Consider another verse that is more closely related to the subject.

"So set your face steadily and truly to the Faith; (Establish) God's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: ..." [30/ar-Rum/30]

Substituting the Arabic expression:

"(Establish) Fitrat-Allahi is on which He has made mankind" [30/ar-Rum/30]

Just consider the implication of substituting the "interpretive" meaning "Islam" or "Muslim" in such case, you will realize that we must not do it.

The significance of that Hadith is that every child is born according to a God-given nature or disposition. Allah has shown His guidance in the form of Islam so that it is perfectly harmonious with that innate disposition. However, to translate the Hadith using "Mu'min/Muslim/innocent" unduly imposes our understanding on the Hadith than what the Hadith actually says. It makes our position/view more vulnerable to criticism.

As a general rule, let's keep in mind the following:

a. The verses of the Qur'an or Hadith should be translated as those are, without imposing our own "interpretive or extrapolative" understanding.

b. Those who are not Arabic-speaking should be extra careful when reading translations and drawing "specific" or "firm" conclusions, as many translations are quite inaccurate and inappropriate (overly and unduly biased with translator's own bias or interpretation).

Having said that it should be underscored that according to Islam, our Deen and our Fitrah are "harmonious", i.e., when we follow Islam we are actually conducting ourselves in harmony with our God-given nature or Fitrah.

Allah knows best. Fi amanillah.

HOME
Index of my writings
Have you visited my site on Kazi Nazrul Islam?
Genocide 1971 Page?
Hadith Humor Page?