Raising a happy home
The imam mentioned a hadith today in which the Prophet SAWS is reported to have said:
“Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possessed the whole world.”
Dear brothers, having a home, with a happy family is undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts that Allah SWT has bestowed upon us. However, with all blessings in this life, they come with responsibilities which we should adhere to.
And the reward for this is the peace that comes with having such a home but also the reward that Allah SWT has promised for those that live up to this responsibility. The imam mentioned the 97th ayat of Sura An-Nahl in relation to this which is translated to say:
Whoever, male or female, has acted righteously, while being a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good life, and shall give such people their reward for the best of what they used to do.
And so, this reminder concludes with 3 practical tips that we can all implement to create a blessed home.
- Have the word of Allah SWT as a central focus point in the home. From recitation to contemplation, there is an opportunity to do this for each of us. From native Arab speakers to those who are complete beginners, there is support and resources available to help bring the Quran to life in your homes. Spend time with your children to listen to commentary on Suras and Ayats, discuss the lessons within those and ask one another if and how we are implementing those lessons into our lives.
- Treat one another with justice for the role they play in your home. Each role in the home has a responsibility and a right, from the elderly grandparents to the young children. Each person has the right to feel loved, attended to, respected and feel that the home is a solace from the outside world. Practically this involves spending time with one another free from the distractions of the news, social media and other things that are purposely designed to take away your attention. Doing this, not only brings blessing into your home but nurtures the relationships of the people within.
- Lead by example. This was mentioned in past weeks but as the men in our homes, the best examples and standards must come from us. Not just for children but for our spouses, our siblings and our parents, we should aim to have the best manners and habits. We are the leaders in our homes and this comes with responsibility as well as rights.
Dear brothers, the world is one designed to distract us, to beat us down with all the tests and traps shaitaan has set for us. The home, on the other hand, is a place we return to in order to regroup, to strengthen our physical, mental and spiritual self and to feel safe. This only becomes possible through the nurturing we all must do into our homes. By doing so we can ensure the sanctity of our home as well as gain the reward with Allah SWT of having a blessed home.
