Ghamidi - Islamic view on the Family System

Javed Ghamidi stands out as one of the very few practicing islamic scholars/theologians who does not identify himself to any sect, rather simply as a muslim. Through his expert knowledge on the Quran and Sunnah, he gives clear concise and logical responses to all kinds of questions about Islam, including a 10 point counter-narrative to extremism.

One of the key aspects of his talks, speeches is he provides a conceptual understanding of the reasons behind Islamic teachings. Although, there may be a few views of his that i dont fully agree with, but with regard to his conclusions, there can be no doubt since his logic is not flawed.

An interesting aspect of his views is, he barely ever criticises modernity or the developed world. The only critique he has given is the shifting balance from the family way of life to the individual way of living. He explains the Islamic concept on family living on the following basis.

Unlike animals, newborn humans are extremely weak and dependant on caregiver support. Most animals can walk, forage and live on their own, anywhere between a few minutes to a few months after birth. The human newborn would not survive on its own for several years after its birth and even thereafter requires emotional, psychological and other forms of support till the age of 12-13 and even then they are not mature enough to act fully independently.

Given this limitation of humans, Islam proscribes a support mechanism in the form of the family system which creates an enabling environment for babies/kids/teenagers to thrive. The support of such a system forms the foundation for various aspects of Islamic guidance through the Quran and Sunnah, which people seem to have questions about. 

When seen through this prism of valuing the family system, multiple issues which seem controversial to some in this day and age, not only make sense but evidently seem like better ways of living and solutions to various problems we face todays like Depression, Anxiety, Loneliness and Stress to name a few.

On a side-note, one of my favourite learning from Ghamidi Sb is his clarification that with regards to the male and female genders, Islam declares them 'Equal but Different', however there is differentiation among genders when expressed through relationships. This may well be based on the level of responsibility drafted onto that individual for eg the status of a mother is several times higher than the father.