The Possibility of Variability of Innate Nature

"Fitrat” (innate nature) is one of the most fundamental theories in Islamic anthropology. Introducing innate nature as a nonacquired, universal and constant issue based on monotheism, Islam regards it as one of the necessary foundations of anthropology that could be the basis for other theories. The present paper investigates the possibility of the stability or variability of nature in the form of three hypotheses: the variability of innate nature, the stability of innate nature and its actuality, and the stability of innate nature and its potentiality. Each of these hypotheses will have different foundations, principles, goals and methods, and will consequently assign a different responsibility to the educational system. Although nature is perceived as an intrinsic quality in human being, its connection and influence from the environment cannot be denied. The manifestation and development of innate nature requires a favorable environment and an unfavorable environment may lead to its extinguishment.