Khaliq-ur-Rahman, Joint Family System in Perspective of Islam
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT Lahore
Abstract
The family is a universally recognized institution the establishment and survival
of a successful society always depends upon the institution of a family. Family is
also regarded as the building block of society. Basically family belongs to social
group based upon blood relation consisting of a few members such as father, mother
and children. In different times the size of the family varies according to the
changes in society. A family which consist of wife, husband, their parents, children,
aunts, uncles, their children called joint or extended family system. On the other
hand a family which consists of father, mother and their children called nuclear
family system. Both kind of family structure practiced in different cultures and
societies. Joint or extended family system is especially practiced among agricultural
societies. Because in agriculture atmosphere the more and more people are needed
joint family system is a significant characteristic of the sub-continent. The various
members of the family tied primarily through paternal bonds live together. They
share their joys and sorrows. However, they also cultivate mutual jealousy. The
family unity not only reflects strength and prestige but also eclipses personal liberty
and innovative thinking. According to the views of different Anthropologist joint
families or suitable for agrarian societies where vast lands needs care, cultivation
and maintenance. In fact different cultures and societies are adopted suitable family
structure according to their cultures, customs, myths, religious behavior, and social
needs. Islam being a universal or harmonious religion never appose or like any
specific family structure. The Quranic legislation and Mohammad’s administrative
practice define the limitation and liberty being a Muslim. As Muslims we have clear
and effective concepts about sanctity of kinship, rights and duties of parents, wife
and husbands, children and brother and sister also. The concept of veil in Islam
define the position and place of woman in a family. Islam always emphasize to look
after the old parents and deal them with love, care and affection. On the other hand
the relationship between wife and husband is sacred. The relationship of man with
their children, brothers and sisters also considers very important. So its crystal
clear that a man has rights and duties over his family. Islam never give permission
to violate the sanctity of kinship in any circumstances. Its not necessary to live
VI
in nuclear or joint family system. The most important thing is that a man should
full fledged her duties towards relatives properly. Different cultures have their own
family structure or pattern. Actually the family structure belongs to their social
customs which practiced generation to generation. In some places different kinds
of movements actually effects family structure on large scale. Industrialization and
Urbanization are the most influenced movements which effects the institution of
family