THE MORAL FOUNDATIONS OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IN THE VIEWS OF EASTERN THINKERS

Аннотация

В данной статье рассматриваются нравственные основы брака и семьи, а также их роль в воспитании детей. Подчеркивается огромное влияние семьи, особенно родителей, на формирование личности. Также отмечается важность брака как социального и нравственногоинститута,играющего ключевую роль внравственномвоспитании. Ключевые слова: брак, общество, семья, воспитание, нравственные основы, нравственноевоспитание,семейныеотношения,формированиеличности TheMoral Foundationsof Marriage andFamily in theViewsof Eastern Thinkers In the history of Eastern peoples, issues of family and marriage have been regarded not only as social necessities but also as moral and spiritual foundations. Eastern thinkers—philosophers, writers, and Sufi scholars—considered family life as the primary source of moral upbringing and an essential factor for a healthy society. In their works, they emphasized the essence of marriage, the mutual responsibilities and duties of family members, and the role of moral page181 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue07,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai virtues in family life.Great scholars from our land such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Alisher Navoi, Ahmad Yassawi, Abdulla Avloni, Abdurauf Fitrat, and others have expressed valuable ideas regarding marriage, family, and their stability. In particular, it is important to highlight the rulings related to family and marriage from the renowned jurist Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani, the "Sultan of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)," which aimed to strengthen and enhance family wellbeing. Abu Nasr al-Farabi’s Views on the Moral Foundations of Marriage and Family. Abu Nasr al-Farabi (873–950), a prominent scholar of the Eastern Renaissance era, was a philosopher, musicologist, political theorist, and moral thinker who had adeep influence on both Eastern and Western thought. Known as the “Second Teacher” (after Aristotle), he elaborated on the foundations of society, human nature, and ethical life in works such as The Virtuous City, On Attaining Happiness, and Treatise on Ethics. For Farabi, ethics and spirituality were fundamental principles ensuring the stability of society. He also analyzed the issues of marriage andfamily within the context ofmoral, political, and spiritual development.According to Farabi, the human being is a social creature, and reaching perfection depends on fulfilling societal roles—particularly organizing family life properly. The family, in his view, is a micro-model of society: thesmallest yet mostvital unit. “People need society in order to help one another. And society begins with the smallest group — the family. If there is no moral order within the family, there will be no order in the greater society.” (TheVirtuous City) This thought reveals that Farabi emphasized the need for marriage and family to be built upon moral foundations. In his view, marriage is not merely a physical union but a spiritual and moral journey that unites two individuals. Farabi considered the family a school of morality. He believed the continuity of family depends onthefollowing virtues observed byhusband and wife: Wisdomandclarity –important in making marital decisions; Compassionandaffection –mutual sincerity and friendship; Patience andendurance–resilience in solvingfamily problems; Responsibility–raising children andproviding material and spiritual support; Justice– equality and respect within thefamily. “A moral person is someone who can control their desires, is just and humble. Such a person succeeds inmanaging a family.” (Treatise onEthics) Farabi viewed morality not just as a personal matter but as the standard for social relations. For him,family ethics form theroots ofsocietal morality. page182 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue07,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai Farabi regarded men and women as naturally equal in dignity, though differing in their roles. They are complementary beings, and their relationship must be based on mutual understanding, respect, and loyalty—thepillars ofa strong family. “A woman of high moral character is a supreme virtue for society, for she plays aleading role inchild upbringing.” (TheVirtuous City) Farabi also emphasized themoral character ofparents in raising children. He said: “The best inheritance for a child is good character and being taught to live an honest life.” According to him, parents serve as role models for their children through their character, lifestyle, and mutual interactions. This is anatural form ofmoral education. In The Virtuous City, Farabi envisions an ideal society and argues that every individual— especially family members—must be morally mature to build such a society. A vir