Here is the English abstract of  Dr. Qodratollah Niyazi (Ph. D.; Muslim Clergy; Faculty Member, Department of Theology, Bu-Ali Sina University) presentation at the 4^nd pre-con meeting of the conference “Imam Reza (PBUH) and Interreligious Dialogue" which was held in Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan, Iran on  October 30, 2023.

Islam’s Encounter with the Role of Family

In this research, the meaning of family is its conventional meaning, that is, "a group of people who live together based on blood relation or marriage and are governed by a single will." The family has an important place in Islam. This paper explains that Islam, which emphasizes the establishment of the family, has what policies and programs for its stability and preservation, and how can the family crisis in the current world be resolved. The following are some of the Islamic strategies for the continuity of the family: 1) Establishing regulations based on natural needs and in accordance with human nature. 2) Inviting to socializing in a desirable way. 3) Strengthening emotional ties between family members. 4) Legitimizing sexual relations. 5) Encouraging childbearing and childrearing: Having a child is one of the natural goals of marriage. The family is complete with the existence of a child. It revives the motivation to strive and hope for the future of the family. Of course, this issue needs a cultural attachment. 6) Providing worthy role models: In the Qur'an, many families are introduced that reflecting on them is instructive for families today, such as the families of Abraham and Imran "Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of ’Imrân above all people ˹of their time˺. "(3: 33 Quran). 7) Inviting to chastity: Maintaining chastity is one of the important factors for the continuity of the family. 8) Responsibility which is achieved by spiritual education of the family and supervision of its behavior, Imam Ali (AS) said: "O Kumayl, command your family to earn virtues" (Nahj al-balāgha, Al-Hikmah: 34). 9) Observing ethical rules. 10) Cooperation: Co-thinking, cooperation, collaboration, and sympathy are important factors in the continuity of the family.

Translator: Mahdi Qasemi