CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • JUZ A DAY (Daily Qur'an) - Local and International Recitors
    Tuesday, 12:05 pm - 1:00 pm
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Family – Part 2

Definition and Characteristics of Family

Firstly let`s begin by taking a look at the definition of Family.

The word family is one of the most loosely defined terms in the English language; because it means something different to everyone. While one person may define family as the relatives who share their home, another may consider family to include extended relatives residing near and far. Still, someone else views their beloved circle of friends or their pets as family. Families are vastly different, but they all function under one single premise: shared love and commitment.

The dictionary defines family in several ways. One definition is “a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.” While this definition is a good starting point, several modern family structures are excluded by this definition, such as childless couples, friends as family, etc. Today there are many definitions of the concept of family, and all are equally wonderful and celebrated.

Some of the other common definitions are:

parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not

the children of one person or one couple collectively

the spouse and children of one person

any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins

all those persons considered as descendants of a common progenitor

a group of persons who form a household under one head, including parents, children, and servants

a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together

Now let us take a look at some of the Characteristics or Features of Family

It is a universal group: It is found in one form or other, in all types of societies whether primitive or modern.

Marriage as the basis: A family is based on marriage, which results in a mating relationship between two adults of the opposite sex.

Trace of ancestry: It is the group through which descent or ancestry can be traced.

The primary agent of socialization: It is the most basic group as it is the primary agent of socialization of an individual.

Various forms: It generally has various forms and sizes such as nuclear, even large, joint, and extended families.

The nucleus of all institutions: It is the most important group in society; it is the nucleus of all institutions, organizations, and groups.

Emotional attachment: It is based on emotions and sentiments. Mating, procreation, love, and affection are the basis of family ties.

Unit of cooperation: It is a unit of emotional and economic cooperation.

Division of labour: Each member of the house has duties and responsibilities.

Social roles: Each family is made up of different social roles, like those of husband, wife, mother, father, children, brothers, or sisters.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Why did the Prophet ﷺ Love Shaam

Why did the Prophet ﷺ Love Shaam

Introduction: A Love Rooted in Revelation When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ loved something, it was never out of personal bias — his love was guided by Wahy (revelation). So when we find him repeatedly praying for, praising, and speaking of the land of Shaam, we know that...

read more
Bilaadush Shaam

Bilaadush Shaam

Shaam in the Words of the Prophet ﷺ When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke about places, his words were precise, intentional, and full of divine wisdom. Among the regions repeatedly mentioned in his sayings is Shaam — an ancient and blessed land comprising modern-day...

read more
Spiritual Reflections from the Hijri Calendar

Spiritual Reflections from the Hijri Calendar

The Hijri calendar is not merely a timeline of months and days — it is a map for spiritual growth. Each month of the Islamic year offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with Allah, reflect on one’s soul, and realign with a life of purpose. The beauty of the Hijri...

read more
The Sacred Months

The Sacred Months

In Islam, time is not just a neutral passage of moments — it carries weight, meaning, and divine wisdom. Among the twelve months of the Islamic calendar, four are known as the Sacred Months (Al-Ashhur Al-Hurum). These months were honoured even before Islam and have...

read more
The Structure of the Hijri Calendar

The Structure of the Hijri Calendar

The Hijri or Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar composed of 12 months based on the cycles of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar and aligns with the earth’s journey around the sun, the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon — from one...

read more
The Islamic Calendar

The Islamic Calendar

The Origins of the Islamic Calendar The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is more than a way to track time — it is a spiritual compass that guides Muslims through the rhythms of worship, remembrance, and reflection. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, the...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments