Peer-reviewed article

The Qur’anic Concept of Fitrah and Its Implications for Early Childhood Development

Shadeka Jannat · 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study explores the Qur’anic concept of Fitrah, the innate disposition with which every human is created and its implications for early childhood development. While the term appears in the holy Qur’an and has been discussed by classical scholars such as al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah, its direct connection to contemporary understandings of child psychology remains underdeveloped. This research examines Qur’anic verses and related Hadith to clarify the meaning of Fitrah, and reviews interpretations in major works of Tafsir. It then places these insights in dialogue with modern theories of childhood development, particularly those of Piaget, Erikson, and Montessori. By comparing Islamic and contemporary perspectives, the study highlights how Fitrah provides a foundation for understanding children’s moral, cognitive, and spiritual growth. The findings suggest that recognizing and nurturing Fitrah can enrich early education and parenting practices, contributing a background that values both faith and human potential. In conclusion, this research argues that an integrated approach to child development, one that respects the Qur’anic idea of Fitrah while engaging with modern psychology, can contribute to more holistic models of education in Muslim contexts.