Zahoor, Tayyba2016-04-182016-04-182015https://escholar.umt.edu.pk/handle/123456789/1807Supervised by: Dr Khaliq-ur-RahmanThe 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 di erent 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 di erent 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 signi cant 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 re ects strength and prestige but also eclipses personal liberty and innovative thinking. According to the views of di erent Anthropologist joint families or suitable for agrarian societies where vast lands needs care, cultivation and maintenance. In fact di erent 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 speci c family structure. The Quranic legislation and Mohammad's administrative practice de ne the limitation and liberty being a Muslim. As Muslims we have clear and e ective 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 de ne 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 a ection. 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 in nuclear or joint family system. The most important thing is that a man should full edged her duties towards relatives properly. Di erent 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 di erent kinds of movements actually e ects family structure on large scale. Industrialization and Urbanization are the most in uenced movements which e ects the institution of family.MS ThesisFamilyJoint family systemIslamThesis