Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 835 [Read full issue]
Duties at Home
When we think of a young religious person too often we think of someone who spends all his time with other Muslims, going to the Islamic center, or attending religious classes. When he is not engaged in these outside activities, we think of him devoting all his time to personal devotions like reading Islamic books, reciting the Quran, or listening to recorded lectures. Sadly, we do not think of this young person having anything whatsoever to do with the rest of the household.
This is, in fact, a grave mistake that many religious young people make. The worldly needs of the household must be met.
Who, then, is going to purchase the household’s needs? Who will take members of the family to the places where they have to go? Who will entertain the guests? Who will pick up so-and-so from the airport? Should the “pious” member of the family be the one to say: “Sorry. I have no time. I am busy!” ?
Some of our young, religious people flee from their homes in one way or another after becoming religious. They feel that they cannot bear staying at home surrounded by what they regard as sinful behaviour or as their family’s casual religious attitudes.
Some seek to escape the temptations at home by going overseas to study or by simply moving away from home. There are often clear signs in their behaviour that they are merely running away. Some of them even leave home without their parents’ permission.
They forget that when a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) if he could go to war, the Prophet (peace be upon him) immediately asked him if his parents were alive. When he said that they were, the Prophet said: "Your jihad is to take care of your parents!" [Bukhari, Muslim]
They also forget that when another young man approached the Prophet (peace be upon him) to go and fight, the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him if his mother was alive. When he found out that she was, he told the man: "Woe unto you! Attend to her at her feet and you will attain Paradise." [Ibn Majah]
So, if we want Paradise, the quickest way to get there is by honouring our mothers.
Sometimes a person is unable to cope with his duties as a Muslim at home. Such a person is definitely not going to be able to engage in this effort of disseminating Islam to others. How can a person who cannot even cope with his duties in his own home think he can take on broader responsibilities?
The first duty of our young people is to establish themselves at home by fulfilling their responsibilities to their families.
Compiled From:
"Taking Care of Things at Home" - Salman al-Oadah