The Qur'anic Model on Social Change: Family Structure as a Method of Social Reform

Abstract

Islam emphasises the belief that the family is the cornerstone of human civilisation. This article explains that Islamic teachings regarding family structure are unique in providing theoretical and practical answers to modern challenges and have the ability to reform any deviation. Furthermore, it constructs, from the study of the Quran and the prophetic applications, a model for gender equality and harmonious family relations. The methodology of this article is based on conducting a textual analysis of relevant Qur’anic concepts and Prophetic applications. It is my hope that having this understanding may show the way towards realising the significance of enforcing gender equity in order to establish healthy and peaceful human relations, especially among family members, which in turn will lead to generating a peaceful human culture and society in our modern time.