Follow Your Fitra to Attain Sakina as a Muslim Woman
In Islam, fitra refers to the pure, natural disposition that Allah has created within every human being. It is our innate inclination towards truth, goodness, and the recognition of Allah's oneness (tawheed). The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every child is born upon the fitra, but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.” (Sahih Muslim)
This means that from the moment we enter this world, we are naturally inclined toward worshiping Allah alone and living in accordance with His divine guidance. However, as we grow, societal influences, cultural expectations, and worldly distractions can cloud this pure nature. Returning to our fitra means realigning ourselves with the divine purpose for which we were created—leading to an existence filled with sakina (tranquility) and barakah (blessings).
What is the Fitra of a Woman?
Just as every human has a fitra, Muslim women have inherent qualities that align with their natural disposition. When we nurture these qualities in light of Islam, we thrive spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Some key aspects of a Muslim woman’s fitra include:
1. Taqwa (God-Consciousness)
A Muslim woman’s fitra is deeply connected to an awareness of Allah in all aspects of life. This consciousness (taqwa) guides her decisions, keeps her heart soft, and helps her stay steadfast in her faith.
2. Compassion and Mercy
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The most complete of the believers in faith is the one with the best character.” (Tirmidhi)
Women are naturally inclined toward mercy and compassion, whether as wives, mothers, daughters, or sisters. This beautiful quality allows us to nurture, heal, and uplift those around us.
3. Modesty and Dignity
Modesty (haya) is a defining characteristic of a Muslim woman’s fitra. This includes physical modesty in dress and behavior, as well as internal modesty—such as humility, self-respect, and dignity in interactions.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Haya does not bring anything but goodness.” (Bukhari)
4. Seeking Knowledge
Islam encourages women to seek knowledge. Our fitra naturally drives us to learn and grow—whether in understanding the Quran and Sunnah, acquiring new skills, or educating ourselves for the benefit of our families and communities.
5. Nurturing and Caregiving
Allah has blessed women with an innate nurturing nature. This doesn’t only apply to motherhood—it extends to caring for our families, supporting friends, and contributing positively to our communities. The Prophet ﷺ himself was nurtured by strong, righteous women, including his mother, Amina, and his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA).
6. Resilience and Patience
Life is full of tests, and a Muslim woman’s fitra equips her with patience (sabr) and resilience (istiqamah). Whether facing hardships, balancing family and personal goals, or standing firm in faith, our fitra allows us to persevere with tawakkul (trust in Allah).
7. Gratitude and Contentment
A woman whose heart is aligned with her fitra finds joy in gratitude (shukr). She recognizes Allah’s blessings in both ease and hardship, understanding that every moment is an opportunity for growth and closeness to her Creator.
8. Charity and Generosity
Generosity isn’t just about giving wealth—it includes offering time, kindness, and support to others. A woman living upon her fitra finds fulfillment in acts of service, knowing that the best deeds are those done sincerely for Allah’s sake.
9. Justice and Fairness
A Muslim woman’s fitra inclines her toward fairness, truth, and standing for what is right. Whether in family matters, community roles, or personal integrity, she seeks justice with wisdom and grace.
10. A Deep Connection with Allah
Above all, the strongest aspect of a woman’s fitra is her longing for closeness to Allah. Prayer (salah), remembrance (dhikr), and sincere supplication (du’a) strengthen this connection, bringing immense peace and fulfillment.
The Consequences of Straying from Our Fitra
When we ignore or suppress our fitra, we may experience emotional and spiritual distress. Here are some of the key consequences:
1. Spiritual Disconnection
Neglecting our fitra weakens our connection with Allah. This can create feelings of emptiness, anxiety, and a lack of purpose.
2. Inner Turmoil
A woman away from her fitra may struggle with dissatisfaction, comparison, and restlessness—because her heart yearns for the peace that comes from living in alignment with Allah’s guidance.
3. Loss of Modesty and Morality
Straying from fitra may lead to disregarding Islamic values of modesty and ethical conduct. Over time, this can result in regret, confusion, and a weakened sense of self-worth.
4. A Crisis of Identity
When we adopt lifestyles that contradict our natural disposition, we lose touch with our authentic selves. This can lead to a sense of emotional detachment and identity confusion.
5. Hindrance to Personal Growth
Ignoring our innate tendencies to seek knowledge, cultivate gratitude, and strengthen faith can limit our personal and spiritual development.
6. Strained Relationships
A woman who distances herself from her fitra may struggle to maintain meaningful relationships, as her heart becomes disconnected from qualities like empathy, patience, and kindness.
7. Mental and Emotional Distress
Living against our fitra can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of being unfulfilled. The peace that comes from embracing our true nature is replaced by internal conflict.
8. Ingratitude and Negativity
When we lose sight of our fitra, we may fall into habits of complaining, jealousy, and dissatisfaction—missing out on the beauty of contentment and tawakkul.
The Path to Sakina: Returning to Our Fitra
Alhamdulillah, Islam provides us with the means to realign with our fitra and attain sakina (tranquility) and we can do this in the following ways:
🌿 Strengthening Your Relationship with Allah – Prioritize prayer, dhikr, and du’a. The closer you are to Allah, the more clarity you’ll find.
🌿 Embracing Modesty and Dignity – Honor yourself by dressing and behaving in a way that reflects your faith and self-respect.
🌿 Surrounding Yourself with Righteous Company – Being with women who remind you of Allah will help keep your heart on the right path.
🌿 Seeking Knowledge and Reflection – Understanding the Quran and Sunnah will illuminate the wisdom of living according to your fitra.
🌿 Engaging in Acts of Kindness – Whether through charity, caregiving, or simple gestures, giving to others brings immense fulfillment.
🌿 Practicing Gratitude Daily – Train your heart to see blessings in every situation, and watch your inner peace grow.
🌿 Trusting in Allah’s Plan – Accept life’s challenges with tawakkul and patience, knowing that Allah’s wisdom surpasses our understanding.
When you embrace your fitra as a Muslim woman, you will experience an unparalleled sense of peace and purpose. Aligning with your true nature isn’t about conforming to societal expectations—it’s about living in harmony with the divine design Allah has placed within you.
May Allah grant us all the ability to recognize and nurture our fitra, allowing us to lead lives filled with faith, contentment, and sakina. Ameen. 💖
Listen to a scholar explain our fitra in Islam
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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