Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

Brothers and sisters, nowadays there are many Muslim homes that, although they are occupied with people, they are in fact, dead. This is because there is no remembrance of Allah, as mentioned in the following hadith. The Prophet (saw) said: "The likeness of a house in which Allah is remembered and the house in which Allah is not remembered is that of the living and the dead, respectively."

Rather than a place where Allah is remembered, the Muslim home has become a place where there is the music of Shaytaan with instruments and singing, backbiting, slander, free mixing and wanton display between relatives who are not mahram. As parents we must ask ourselves, how can the angels enter a home like this?

We must make our homes places where Allah is remembered in all kinds of ways, whether in our hearts, verbally, during prayer, by reading Quran, by discussing Islamic issues, etc. InshAllah, these are things that should occur on a consistent basis so that the angels will come to the home and bring Allah's blessings to us and our families.

Here are some example, I'm sure you can come up with more InshAllah:

1. GUIDING OUR SPOUSES

This begins with each spouse fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of their roles and treating each other with kindness and compassion. It then goes beyond this to include guidance in other spiritual matters such as striving to strengthen Iman; paying attention to worship and correcting it when needed; encouraging the reading of Quran, praying at night, giving charity, and reading books on Islam; helping to choose pious friends; enjoining goodness and forbidding evil. Iman is something that may increase or decrease so it is necessary to continually focus on increasing our own and that of our spouse InshAllah.

2. ADHKAAR

Remembrance can be in many forms: with the heart, with the tongue, through prayer, recitation of Quran, memorising adhkaar and using them, discussing Islamic issues, or reading Islamic material. These are things that should occur on a consistent basis so that the angels will come to the home and bring Allah's blessings.

3. OUR HOME IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP

This means that Salah is established within the home at its required time and that members of the family pray in congregation when several are present. The family may also designate a specific area for prayer and maintain its uniqueness and cleanliness.

4. TEACHING AND LEARNING ARE ONGOING ACTIVITIES IN OUR HOME

This is primarily the responsibility of the head of household who must ensure that he is guiding his family to the correct path, enjoining them to do good, and forbidding them from evil. Attaining knowledge is incumbent upon all members of the family and is the basis upon which Iman will flourish. A study circle should be established in the home that covers the various areas in Islam and from which all family members will benefit. Children should especially be encouraged to participate since this will establish a pattern for them that will be carried throughout their lifetimes.

5. WE TRY TO HAVE MORALS AND MANNERS LIKE PROPHED MUHAMMAD (SAW)

The Prophet (saw) said: "When Allah wills some good towards the people of a household. He introduces kindness among them." (Ahmed) He also said: "Allah loves kindness and rewards it in such a way the He does not reward for harshness or for anything else." (Muslim). There are many examples of the Prophet's kindness and good treatment toward his family that we should try to emulate. He was affectionate and playful with his wives and children and would help with household chores to case the burden for his wives. Following his example will bring tranquillity to the home and help to truly make it an abode of rest InshAllah.

6. WE KNOW THE ISLAMIC RULINGS THAT PERTAIN TO HOUSES

Such as guarding the secrets of the home, seeking permission to enter, not looking into other people's homes, not allowing children to enter the parent's bedroom during certain times of the day, and not staying alone overnight. This last one is interesting to consider since some husbands travel for their business or work. The Prophet (saw) actually discouraged this. Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (saw) forbade being alone and said that a man should not stay overnight alone or travel alone. (Ahmad). Not only will he be alone, but his wife and children are likely to be left alone in the home without any protection or companionship.

7. WE INVITE RIGHTENOUS AND KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE TO OUR HOME

InshAllah righteous people who enter your home will bring many benefits due to their presence and conversations with them. They are more likely to discuss useful topics and may be excellent sources of information and knowledge. We should always make dua that Allah will bless us with righteous friends since they can have such positive effects on us. The Prophet (saw) said: "Keep company with a believer only, and let your food be eaten only by the righteous." (Abu Dawud)

8. THERE ARE NO EVILS WITHIN OUR HOME

Television (except for educational and Islamic programs) and unlawful music are not allowed in the house; pictures on the wall do not contain animate beings; there are no statues or anything that resembles statues; dogs are not present in the house; smoking is not allowed; decorations are kept simple to avoid excessiveness; when people come to visit the men and women sit separately. The effects of these evils on the sanctity of the home should be obvious. For example the Prophet (saw) said: "Angels do not enter a house which has either a dog or a picture in it." (Sahih Bukhari)

11. THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE HOME ARE CONDUCIVE TO FULFILLING ISLAMIC OBLIGATIONS

It is best for the home to be close to a masjid so that it will be easier for men to attend the prayers in congregation and for all family members to visit the masjid for lectures, study groups, and social gatherings. It is also advisable to find an area where other Muslims live to obtain the benefits of community. One should definitely be careful about close neighbours and avoid those who are obviously immoral. When choosing a house, consideration should be made regarding the availability of separate sitting areas for men and women. The house should be spacious and fulfil safety and health requirements. And we must make sure that our houses are not bought with haram ways such as riba. Our rizq is very important and we have to make sure that our earnings are halal InshAllah.


MAY ALLAH ASSIST US IN TRYING TO ESTABLISH AN ISLAMIC HOME ACCORDING TO THE EXAMPLES LAID DOWN BY OUR BELOVED PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW). AMEEN!