Shomurotova Asaloy San'at
By Shomurotova Asaloy San’at qizi
Abstract: The family is a sacred foundation for humanity and forms the social basis of society. The primary purpose of family life is to ensure the continuity of generations and the historical development of humanity through the birth of children. This article discusses approaches to studying family relations.
Keywords: family, relationship, Eastern people, society, child.
Due to Uzbekistan’s state independence, our people’s ancient national customs and traditions have begun to be revived, and these traditions play a crucial role in strengthening families. The government of Uzbekistan considers family matters as a priority task at the level of state policy. According to Article 63 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the family is considered the fundamental unit of society and has the right to be protected by both society and the state. Other legal documents for the protection of motherhood and childhood have been adopted, and practical measures have been taken. In particular, on August 22, 1994, a decree titled “Measures for the Social Protection of Low-Income Families” was issued, expanding the scope of material and moral assistance to needy families. To further increase the role and participation of families in the development of society, and to improve the legal, social, economic, and moral interests and well-being of families, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan declared 1998 as “The Year of the Family.” A state program outlining measures to protect family interests was developed accordingly. The “Family” scientific-practical center was established under the Women’s Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Family Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which addresses legal regulation of family life, was adopted.
The family embodies the traditions related to the life and customs of the people and society. It preserves values and passes them down to future generations. The family nurtures children, instilling in them universal values and providing them with initial social orientation. By integrating their children into society, the family influences the direction, economy, culture, and education of society. Therefore, in the East, the family has long been considered a sacred stronghold. The characteristics of large and extended Uzbek families are still preserved today. In Uzbek families, older generations and parents play a significant role in shaping a frugal and tidy lifestyle and in raising children to be morally and spiritually mature. Uzbek families stand out for their stability, organization, love for children, respect for kinship, and other family values such as compassion and care.
The first school of child development is the relationship between parents. The mutual respect, love, honesty, purity, diligence, and humanism expressed in these relationships create harmony in the family. This social process within the family shapes young people’s understanding of the material world and social life and teaches them the correct way to observe moral and ethical norms, based on Eastern traditions. The moral image, behavior, and manners of young people are initially shaped within the culture of family relationships.
Historical evidence shows that the culture of family relationships has long been developed in Eastern societies. Sacred religious sources, Uzbek folk oral traditions, and the works of great Eastern thinkers contain valuable information about the moral and ethical norms and human virtues that characterize family relationships, particularly between spouses, in Uzbek society.
As the President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, emphasized, “In the East, the family has long been considered a sacred nation. Honesty, truthfulness, integrity, honor, and respect—along with other human virtues—are primarily formed within the family.”
Indeed, the works of great Eastern scholars and reformers such as Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, Abu Rayhan Biruni, Avicenna, Kaykavus, Yusuf Khass Hajib, Alisher Navoi, Husayn Waiz Kashifi, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, Rizouddin ibn Faxruddin, Ahmad Donish, Abdulla Avloni, and Fitrat discuss the national psychological characteristics of family life, the mutual obligations of spouses, the way of life, and the educational environment within families, particularly in Central Asian societies, including the Uzbek people.
Issues related to the culture of interpersonal relations in family life are also widely discussed in the works of scholars such as Muhammad ibn Ismail Bukhari, At-Termizi, and the leaders of the Sufi philosophy—Ahmad Yasawi, Bahauddin Naqshband, and Najmuddin Kubra.
The scientific and cultural heritage of Eastern thinkers shows that the rules of family life, the culture of interpersonal relationships, the upbringing of children, and the relationship between men and women are all interconnected with the oral literature of Eastern peoples, particularly the Uzbek people. The moral values found in Uzbek folk proverbs, tales, epics, legends, and narratives highlight bravery, honesty, modesty, loyalty, friendship, justice, industriousness, cleanliness, beauty, harmony, respect for family honor, love for one’s homeland, and the pursuit of good.
In ancient epics, women and men are depicted as having equal social status, and women are portrayed as courageous and no less brave than men.
Loyalty in love and familial harmony are characteristic traits of the Central Asian peoples, particularly the Uzbek clans and tribes.
It is well known that in Islam, as highlighted in its main sources, the Qur’an and Hadiths, there is a wealth of information and laws regarding family life and marital relations. Islam places great importance on the formation of future families. According to Sharia, the following conditions must be met for a valid marriage:
- Mutual consent of the spouses.
- The couple must be of legal age.
- Marriage must be concluded in the presence of witnesses.
- A dowry must be paid for the bride.
- Both spouses must share the same religious beliefs.
- The spouses should not be close relatives.
- There must be social equality between the couple.
- The spouses must be mentally healthy.
Only marriages that meet these conditions are considered legitimate and provide both parties with the corresponding rights and responsibilities.
The Qur’an outlines the roles of husbands and wives in the family. According to Sharia, the husband is responsible for all financial and moral aspects of the family and must protect it from external threats. In exchange for this responsibility, the husband is considered the head of the family, with virtues such as wisdom and prudence being valued. A good wife, on the other hand, is seen as a woman who brings harmony to her husband’s home and remains faithful to him for life. Many exemplary stories of marital relationships can be found in the Qur’an.
Even in Zoroastrianism, the religion of our ancestors, marriage and family duties held a significant ethical position. Zoroastrianism prohibited polygamy, and a life of celibacy was also condemned. Women who reached adulthood but deliberately refused to marry were punished with 25 lashes, while men who did the same were publicly shamed. According to the Avesta, a man must be financially and morally stable before marrying, and both men and women were advised to seek the guidance of their elders when choosing a spouse. The Avesta also outlined specific rules for marriage and divorce.
The ethical norms of Zoroastrianism also emphasized the sacredness of the family, prohibiting the dissolution of marriage for reasons such as slander, misunderstandings, or disagreements with in-laws.
In both Zoroastrianism and Islam, it was emphasized that both parties should be equal and suitable for marriage. According to the traditions and practical experiences of marriage, the bride and groom were expected to be equal in terms of lineage, social status, education, character, beliefs, and property. Hence, special attention was given to preparing young people for family life in Eastern societies. Particularly, it was important to prepare girls for family life by instilling human virtues and teaching them the importance of preserving the sanctity of the family, as explained in the wisdom literature passed down from our ancestors.
Shomurotova Asaloy San’at qizi is a Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Urganch State University 2nd-year student of Social Work (Social work with families and children)
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