Being Born in a Hindu or Muslim Home Is Not a Guarantee of Guidance
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, p.209
❖ Question
If one child is born in a Muslim household and another in a Hindu household, why object to the outcome?
❖ Answer
All Humans Are Born on Pure Fitrah
- Allah created every human upon sound and natural disposition (fiṭrah).
- Qur’an and Hadith confirm this reality.
- Becoming Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Magian, or atheist is the result of a person’s misuse of free will.
- It is incorrect to attribute this division to Allah.
If Everyone Were Born in Muslim Homes
- If Allah had made everyone born in Muslim households:
- It would cancel man’s free choice.
- Humanity would become like machines, or like the sun, moon, and stars that move without will or consciousness.
- In that case, man would no longer be ashraf al-makhlūqāt (the noblest of creation).
- Man’s honor lies in performing good deeds by his own choice and free will.
The World Is a Place of Trial
- This life is an examination hall for mankind.
- A true test requires freedom of choice.
- Freedom leads necessarily to different paths.
- Therefore, objecting to this system is meaningless.
The Gift of Intellect
- Allah has blessed every human with the gift of ʿaql (intellect).
- A child is not accountable until puberty.
- After maturity, with intellect complete, one may embrace Islam by reasoning and reflection.
- History shows many Hindus studied Qur’an and Sunnah and accepted Islam despite family and social opposition.
- Similarly, some born in Muslim families abandoned Islam due to neglecting their intellect.
Being Born in a Hindu Home Is No Excuse
- Birth in a Hindu family is not a valid excuse for remaining outside Islam.
- On the Day of Judgment, none can say:
“O Allah, You made me born in a Hindu home; I was compelled.” - Allah will respond:
- “Did I not grant you intellect?”
- “Could you not, by using reason, choose the right path?”
- “In worldly matters, did you not abandon ancestral traditions when necessary—so why not in religion?”
- Such excuses will hold no weight in this world or the next.
Intellect as a Source of Guidance or Misguidance
- Children of Hindu homes may use intellect and embrace Islam.
- Children of Muslim homes may neglect intellect and fall into misguidance.
- Thus, mere birthplace is not sufficient for guidance or misguidance.
❖ Conclusion
- This objection is pure foolishness and baselessness.
- Guidance depends not on birthplace but on the use of intellect and choice Allah has granted.
ھذا ما عندی واللہ أعلم بالصواب
