אמונה, טהרה וקיום מצוות: שלושת הרבדים של המושג פִטרַה בספרות החַדִית' הסונית

In early Islamic literature, the concept of fitra (creation) reflected a vague meaning regarding innate human state. Scholars have generally focused on the perception of fitra as a mental state, and only a few have addressed its physical dimension. This article explores the ancient Sunni Hadith traditions involving fitra and argues that they reflect three different perceptions of fitra: a state of faith (mental state of nature), a physical state, and a behavioral state. Additionally, this essay discusses the possible connection between fitra traditions and prayer, and proposes that central fitra tradition may be based on a Talmudic tradition. Furthermore, it analyzes how traditions quoted by the Hanbali scholar al-Khalal reshaped the perception of fitra as a state of faith in accordance with the predestination doctrine.