What is the relationship between Fitra (Primordial Nature) and Culture in the Quran?

In the profound and comprehensive teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of 'Fitra' (primordial nature) holds a foundational position, referring to the innate, pure, and original disposition of humanity. Simultaneously, 'Culture' denotes the cumulative set of customs, traditions, beliefs, values, and social practices that have evolved in various societies throughout history. The relationship between Fitra and Culture, from the Quranic perspective, is a dynamic and reciprocal one, where culture can either facilitate the flourishing of Fitra or impede its deviation. The Quran posits Fitra as the fundamental essence of human creation; a nature intrinsically inclined towards monotheism, truth, justice, and noble ethics. Surah Ar-Rum, verse 30, explicitly states this: “So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the Fitra of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” This verse underscores that monotheism and the true religion are deeply rooted in human existence, inseparable from their creation. Fitra acts as an internal compass, constantly guiding humanity towards goodness and the worship of God, unless external factors lead to its deviation. Conversely, culture serves as the environment and context in which humans grow and interact with their surroundings. The Holy Quran examines various cultures and undertakes to critique and reform them. Many Quranic verses criticize ignorant (Jahiliyyah) cultures, superstitious beliefs, and blind imitation of ancestors. For instance, in several verses, the Quran severely condemns following the customs and traditions of forefathers if they contradict reason and divine revelation. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 170, Allah says: “And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?” These verses indicate that while culture can encompass valuable traditions, adherence to tradition should not be an excuse to reject truth and divine guidance. This is precisely where the Quran engages with misguided cultures, seeking to purify them. The relationship between Fitra and Culture, from the Quranic perspective, can be analyzed across three main dimensions: Firstly, **the role of culture in nurturing Fitra**. A culture built upon Quranic teachings and divine principles provides a healthy environment for the growth and development of Fitra. Values such as justice, benevolence, honesty, trustworthiness, patience, gratitude, love of knowledge, and care for others, which are emphasized in the Quran, all serve to nourish and strengthen human Fitra. In such a culture, individuals can readily respond to the inner call of their Fitra and progress on the path of perfection. Acts of worship like Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage), as well as upholding 'Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar' (enjoining good and forbidding evil), are all cultural manifestations that keep human Fitra alive and direct it towards perfection. Secondly, **the role of culture in obscuring and diverting Fitra**. In contrast, cultures that have deviated from the divine path and are based on ignorance, polytheism, injustice, corruption, sheer materialism, and self-worship act as veils over Fitra. These cultures, by promoting false values and an incorrect lifestyle, stifle the voice of Fitra and lead individuals astray from their true path. For example, a culture that worships idols instead of the One God, or promotes injustice instead of justice, gradually weakens the human Fitra's innate inclination towards God and justice, leading it towards ruin. In such circumstances, humans might even become oblivious to the most self-evident truths because their cultural environment prevents them from perceiving reality. Thirdly, **the role of the Quran as a catalyst for cultural reform and guidance towards Fitra**. The primary mission of the Quran and the prophets has been to cleanse human cultures of deviations and bring them back to their natural, primordial path. The Quran, as a divine criterion, introduces authentic values and invites humanity to reflect, reason, and make conscious choices. This Holy Book, by critiquing ignorant cultures and offering noble behavioral and ethical models, not only helps individuals rediscover their Fitra but also enables them to construct a culture in complete harmony with their divine nature. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to elevate the cultural level of society, transforming it from Jahiliyyah (ignorance) to an Islamic civilization, thereby presenting a practical example of this harmony to humanity. Ultimately, the Quran seeks to establish a society where every individual can, by preserving and nurturing their divine Fitra within a healthy and constructive cultural framework, move closer to God and experience a life filled with meaning and tranquility. This complex and delicate relationship between Fitra and culture highlights the importance of understanding Quranic teachings for living in harmony with the Creator and creation. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes individual and collective responsibility for preserving and developing Fitra and reforming culture. Every believer has a duty to resist negative cultural influences and listen to the call of their Fitra. On the other hand, society also has a responsibility to promote Quranic values, creating a culture that fosters individuals' moral and spiritual growth and prevents the spread of corruption and immorality. These two aspects, individual and social, are inseparable, and for achieving an ideal Quranic society, both must be addressed simultaneously. Quranic culture is a culture founded on knowledge, wisdom, justice, and benevolence; a culture that frees humanity from the bondage of desires and worldly attachments, guiding them towards divine knowledge and servitude. It is this intricate bond between Fitra and culture that shapes the true identity of human beings in light of Quranic teachings, paving the way for worldly and otherworldly success.