Legal and ethical criteria of a functioning family from the viewpoint of Islam

The purpose for which this research was conducted is to introduce the ethical and legal criteria of a functional family based on the Islamic teachings derived from authentic Islamic sources. These criteria and characteristics have been obtained by adopting a descriptive-analytical approach at the traditions and Quranic verses on the subject of family. The outcomes of this research show that religious sources are full of moral instructions covering all aspects of family life – which is the center of material and spiritual improvement of an individual and the society. If observed and implemented properly, these instructions will guarantee the functionality of the family and improvement of its members. Telling the truth, optimism, expressing love, mutual respect, forgivingness, greeting each other, being caring, kind and patient are among the most important teachings and moral behaviors that have direct impact on the functionality of the family. The outcomes of this research also indicate that the religious sources have established rights for each member of the family including the husband, wife, child, father, and mother. Correspondingly, the religious sources have assign each member certain duties. Observing these rights and performing these duties contribute to functionality of the family.