The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2658 b

This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim addresses the fundamental Islamic concept of fitrah (primordial nature) and divine destiny. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explains that every human being is born in a state of natural submission to Allah (Islam), pure and inclined toward monotheism.

Commentary on the Nature of Creation

The comparison to newborn animals with perfect limbs illustrates how Allah creates every soul complete and sound in its innate disposition toward recognizing its Creator. Just as we observe newborn creatures with all necessary faculties intact, so too are human souls created with an inherent capacity for recognizing truth.

The reference to parents making children into Jews, Christians, or Magians demonstrates how environmental factors and upbringing can obscure this natural disposition. This does not contradict divine decree but operates within it, as Allah's knowledge encompasses all influences that will affect each soul.

Qur'anic Corroboration

The Prophet's citation of Surah Ar-Rum (30:30) confirms this teaching: "The nature made by Allah in which He has created men there is no altering of Allah's creation." This verse establishes that the fitrah is Allah's immutable creation, and the "right religion" is the natural state of submission to Him.

Scholars explain that this fitrah remains within every person throughout life, which is why even those raised in non-Islamic environments may feel drawn to Islam when exposed to its truth. The responsibility of Muslims is to preserve this natural disposition in themselves and their children through proper Islamic upbringing.