HUMAN WELL-BEING: THE ROLE OF FAMILY INSTITUTION

Abstract

Family has been the primary institution of human societies for ages. A balanced human life without family can hardly be conceived. The family bonding has started loosening in many societies of the world, due to ultra-liberalist thoughts in the West and, in result thereof, in the rest of the world. The emerging literature indicates that exceeding number of single parents and children being born out of wedlock have badly impacted the Western and some of the Eastern societies. Furthermore, over emphasis on nuclear family system, seems to have undermined the traditional status of parents in many societies, and Pakistan is not an exception to it. Islamic family life consists of a comprehensive system of rights and duties of all members in the family. This paper posits that every citizen needs to be educated to understand the quantum of responsibilities related to family life and, thereby, the citizenship. It will not happen automatically, it would require a conscientious effort to educate each citizen to embrace the notions of Islamic family life in true spirit. Life of human beings, as per Islamic concepts, does not end up in this world; rather all revealed religions propound continuity of life even after death. This world-view implies: accepting the Divine scheme of creation of this universe and more so human beings, living in conformity to natural laws and the commandments of the Creator, fostering the fine human attributes and passions of love, mercy, kindness, justice, equity, forgiveness and generosity. Since the family is the closest circle of relations and an institution of common socio-economic and spiritual bonding, all family members are required to give their best to make this life happy, fulfilled and contented.