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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Correspondence Course (book 3) Lesson 33 : Family Life in Islam (1) 1. Introduction A sensible and well-balanced family system is the very foundation of a happy life. Indeed, it is the root of an advancing civilization. Religion comes to take human beings closer to Allah. Therefore, it must create an atmosphere conducive to that ideal; otherwise, it cannot achieve its goal.

No religion can be regarded as complete unless it has a well-defined code of family life which expressly shows the exact role and responsibility of each member of the family. The family is a closely-knit unit of human society; and this closeness creates danger of friction and conflict unless every member is told in unambiguous terms what his duties and rights are. Islam is a comprehensive religion with guidance for every aspect of human life.

In the next few lessons, you will learn about family life in Islam. 2. Extended & Nuclear Family Systems Human family systems are normally divided into two types: Extended (or Joint) Family System and Nuclear (or Separate) Family System. Extended Family System: In this system, all members of a clan: father, son, brother, sister, uncle, nephew, and others live together.

The income of the individual is not treated as his personal property, rather it belongs to the family and the expenses of all members are met by that ‘family or collective income’. This system intends to promote togetherness, mutual trust and co-operation among the family members. However, this system also breeds the attitude of laziness and dependency among some family members, and, as a result, it also kills the initiative to work harder among some others.

(The Hindu society is based on the extended family system.) Nuclear Family System: In this system, everybody is responsible for his own immediate dependants only. His income belongs to him and not to the ‘family’. This system lacks the disadvantages of the Extended Family System but it also breeds self-centeredness and selfishness. 3. The Islamic View What does Islam prefer?

The family system advanced by Islam has combined the advantages of both systems mentioned above and has avoided their disadvantages. On the one hand, Islam endorses the set-up of the nuclear (or separate) family system since it has clearly defined the people for whom you must provide.