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What is the meaning of "جبلوا عليه" (they were created upon it) mentioned in Al-Wasit by Tantawy concerning Surat Al-Anfal, verse 23, and does it signify an innate disposition with the possibility of choosing between good and evil?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Every newborn is born upon fitra (innate disposition), meaning upon the inherent nature capable of accepting the true religion. Allah has indeed placed within His servants the readiness to accept both good and evil. So, whoever is raised in an environment adhering to the fitra remains upon it, and whoever deviates from it is led astray by the influence of their environment, external factors, or the seduction of devils, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Allah says: 'I created My servants upright (upon pure monotheism), but the devils came to them and turned them away from their religion.'" Fitra means the sound creation upon which Allah originated people for His knowledge and monotheism. Disbelief is not inherent in the newborn but rather is an external influence. If a person were left to their fitra, they would remain upon the truth.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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