Family as a Foundation of Society: An Islamic Perspective

The Family in the Mirror of International Law: From Collective Wisdom to Global Instruments

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated May 15 as the International Day of Families. This occasion provides an opportunity for societies to focus on the importance of the family as the most fundamental unit of society. The significance of the family is so deeply rooted in the awakened human conscience that even in documents not necessarily based on religious foundations, but rather on shared values of all societies, it holds an unparalleled position. In this regard, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights considers the family as the result of the free union of a man and a woman and emphasizes the necessity of its comprehensive protection:

Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
“1. Men and women of full age… have the right to marry and to found a family…
3. The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.”

This article frames the right to marry and to found a family in terms of “men and women.” This wording reflects and supports the understanding of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, which is regarded as the foundation of the family.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) also emphasizes the right of the child to grow up in a family environment. Article 7 explicitly affirms the child’s right to know and be cared for by their parents:
“A child… shall have the right… as far as possible, to know and be cared for by his or her parents.”

The Status of the Family in the Tradition of the Prophets and Divine Revelation

From the perspective of divine religions, the family is more than a social institution; it is a “sacred foundation.” The great prophets of God consistently prayed for the well-being and success of their descendants and sought forgiveness for their parents. The Holy Quran narrates the supplications of Prophet Ibrahim, “My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication” (14:40) and
“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day the account is established” (14:40). Another manifestation of honoring the family appears in the story of Prophet Jesus (p), when he spoke miraculously in infancy,
“And [He has made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant” (19:23). This verse shows that spiritual perfection and devotion are inseparably connected with kindness toward the pillars of the family.

Family Rights in the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Tradition

Islam considers the family the most beloved structure before God. The Holy Quran places kindness to parents immediately after monotheism,
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to parents” (17:23). This covenant of kindness to parents and relatives was also established for earlier communities, “And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel: Do not worship except God; and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, and the needy…”(2:83).

God also assigns responsibility for safeguarding the family, “O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire…” (66:6).

In explaining the importance of kindness to creation, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) described humanity as the family of God, “All creation is the family of God, and the most beloved to God are those who are most beneficial to His family and bring joy to a household” (Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p.164).

Priority of Relatives in Charity and Support

Within the ethical framework of Islam, family ties are of such importance that even in financial support, priority is given to relatives. Islamic teachings explicitly recommend attending to the needs of kin before others: “There is no charity while a needy relative exists” (Bihar al-anwar, vol. 93, p. 147).

1. Contemporary Challenges: From the Flames of War to the Crisis of Displacement

Wars and armed conflicts do not remain limited to battlefields; they target the heart of society—the family. Forced migration and displacement are not choices but acts of survival, during which family structures gradually collapse.

• Emotional and developmental rupture: Physical separation between family members deprives children of parental care during critical stages of growth, leading to deep psychological trauma and weakened identity and belonging.
• Role disruption and compounded pressure: Displacement alters traditional family roles. Parents facing economic and cultural shocks may struggle to provide emotional support, weakening the transmission of values.

2. Safeguarding the Family in the Turbulence of the Digital Age

In today’s world, the physical walls of the home no longer define family boundaries. The digital age has created a paradox: global connection alongside domestic isolation.

• The crisis of “collective loneliness”: Physical presence without emotional connection weakens family bonds. Screens cannot replace voice, eye contact, and lived empathy.
• Reclaiming a culture of dialogue: Families need intentional technology-free spaces, shared experiences, and active listening to preserve their identity and cohesion.

A Prayer for Peace and a Call to Action for Justice

We remember millions of families suffering from war, displacement, poverty, and economic hardship—conditions that threaten human dignity. Families who experience exile instead of peace and are deprived of basic rights.

We call on governments and global decision-makers to reconsider their priorities. Instead of increasing military spending, resources must be directed toward human well-being. Sustainable peace depends on social justice and support for vulnerable communities.

The world today needs not more weapons, but family-centered policies that guarantee food, education, and security. The true strength of a nation lies not in its arsenals, but in the stability of its families and the smiles of its children. We hope for a world where no home trembles from war and no table remains empty.

On the International Day of Families, we must return to our ethical and spiritual foundations and protect the family from the harms of our time. A healthy family nurtures individuals committed to serving truth and humanity.