The Characteristics of an Ideal Family in the Quranic Lifestyle

Lifestyle and its manifestation is one of the most important elements that plays a crucial role in the advancement of mankind on the individual, familial, national, international and environmental levels. Similarly, it also impacts all his devotional, intellectual, cultural, educational, economic, political, social, medical, recreational and nutritional dimensions, and even his type of dress, housing, etc. To achieve this goal, religions, denominations, schools of thought and ideologies have suggested various lifestyle types and programs. However, these types and programs either focused on a particular level or dimension or were entirely deficient. Nevertheless, the Glorious Quran, within the mould of the religion of Islam, has presented a progressive style of living for mankind, one which is complete and comprehensive and takes into account all of man’s levels and dimensions. This style of living has paid attention to both the material and spiritual faculties of man and has guaranteed his felicity in this world, the isthmus and the Hereafter. In this lifestyle, the family unit plays a central role in nearly all of the areas and dimensions of life. Therefore, the formation, protection and progress of the family has been given special attention within this lifestyle. From the Quranic standpoint, the following are the hallmarks of a progressive family: religiosity, the sacredness of the family unit, legitimate sexual pleasure and dress, observance of the rights and respect for the spouse, sacredness of procreation, child upbringing, unity, cooperation, kindness, harmony and justice concerning the rights of the spouses. The Quranic lifestyle within the arena of the family is such that many of its instances are completely in line with contemporary technology or, in some instances, not completely contradictory.