Conceptology (i.e. understanding the concept) is one of the preliminary topics in every discipline; therefore, defining the concept of family, considering its position and interdisciplinary nature, is essential and of the utmost importance. Based on different approaches, scholars have presented several definitions for the term “family”. This research attempts to define the family based on Islamic sources, including the Glorious Quran and hadith. It examines and analyzes Islamic sources using a descriptive-analytical method.
For this purpose, eighteen elements, namely structure, marriage contract, permanent marriage contract, a man and a woman, being Muslim, sexual desire, children, stepchildren, adopted children, parents-in-law, tranquility, affection, sense of responsibility, living under one roof, male management, sustenance, protection and nurturing, were identified as effective elements in defining a family. The content validity of the mentioned elements from the sources was examined by nine experts specializing in Islamic sciences such as psychology, theology, Quranic sciences, law, religions, history and prophetic conduct (sīrah). As a result, sixteen of the above elements were confirmed by the experts to have referenced instances, while the remaining two, i.e., permanent marriage contract and stepchildren, could not be confirmed as having sufficient referenced instances. Based on the components obtained from Islamic sources, the definition of family is as follows: "A family is a structure that is established through an agreement between a Muslim man and woman to live together. This usually corresponds with the husband and wife living together with children, or at times stepchildren, parents and/or parents-in-law, under one roof. Their living environment is one of tranquility and affection, while their affairs and sustenance are managed and taken care of by the husband. The couple are responsible for satisfying the needs, especially sexual, of each other and are responsible for the protection and nurturing of the other family members." |
