Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) 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)
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1359 addresses the fundamental Islamic concept of fitrah - the innate disposition towards monotheism that Allah instills in every human being at birth.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) employs the powerful analogy of newborn animals being born complete and unblemished, illustrating how every child enters this world in a pure state of submission to Allah.
Scholarly Commentary on Fitrah
Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes the original state of humanity as inherently recognizing Allah's Oneness. Ibn Taymiyyah states this fitrah constitutes the natural recognition of Allah that precedes all external influences.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this innate disposition remains within every person, though it may become obscured through environmental conditioning and parental upbringing.
The reference to Judaism, Christianity, and Magainism demonstrates how external influences, particularly from those closest to the child, can divert this natural inclination.
Exegesis of Quranic Verse 30:30
The verse Abu Huraira recites confirms the Prophetic teaching. Ibn Kathir explains that "Allah's natural disposition" refers to the religion of Islam in its pure, uncorrupted form.
Al-Tabari comments that this divine nature cannot be altered in its essence, though people may deviate from it through choice and circumstance.
The phrase "no change let there be" indicates the perfection and completeness of this original disposition, which scholars say remains the spiritual compass guiding humanity back to truth.
Juridical Implications
This hadith forms the basis for the ruling that children of Muslims are considered Muslims until they reach maturity and consciously choose otherwise.
It also explains why the funeral prayer (janazah) is performed for children of Muslim parents, as they die upon the fitrah.
Scholars derive from this that Islamic education should nurture rather than impose, allowing the natural fitrah to flourish and embrace Islam consciously.