ISLAM GIVES DUE IMPORTANCE TO THE FAMILY AND FORMING A FAMILY

OUT OF ALL PREVIOUS DIVINE RELIGIONS, NONE HAS GIVEN DUE IMPORTANCE TO THE FAMILY AND FORMING A FAMILY AS ISLAM DID.

by Syarif Hidayat

      In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. The God Almighty Allah SWT says in Al Qur’an: “O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allâh through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship)[]. Surely, Allâh is Ever an All¬Watcher over you.” – Al Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa, Verse .

     And in Al Qur’an, Surah Al-Room, Verses 20 – 21, Allah SWT says: “And among His Signs is this, that He created you (Adam) from dust, and then [Hawwa' (Eve) from Adam's rib, and then his offspring from the semen, and], - behold you are human beings scattered! (20) And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. (21).

Islam and the importance of family stability

Out of all the previous divine religions, none has given due importance to the family as Islam did. In doing so, Islam has legislated procedures and means which maintain security and preserve stability within the family. It has also prescribed some measures which prevent the family from collapse and destruction.

We, particularly in the present time where immorality abounds and temptations are overwhelming, have to return to the endless spring of the Quran, the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) as well as the sayings of the righteous predecessors which are guiding beacons for us along our road to maintain family stability.

Reconciliation After Disputes

Islam has initiated several measures to maintain the stability of the family as well the whole Muslim community. Here, we will discuss only some of the measures that Allah The Almighty has legislated to avoid the disintegration of the family structure and to maintain the unity of the Muslim community and steadfastness in the face of the huge challenges that the entire Muslim Ummah (nation) is facing.

Restricting the gates to divorce is the first requisite to maintain marital life and safeguard the community. To avoid making divorce the first decision in case of dissention and dispute, Islam stated stages for reconciliation between the spouses.

The policy of reconciliation between the disputing spouses is essential here. Reconciliation is recommended even before dissention worsens and its evil consequences emerge. The arbitrators are chosen from the spouses’ families because they are more capable of reconciling them and of knowing the details.

The arbitrators should truly seek reconciliation and maintenance of the marital life, and as such God will help them to achieve this:

{And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them. Indeed, Allah is ever knowing and Acquainted [with all things].} [An-Nisa’ 4: 35]

Accordingly, Islam directed the spouses to exert their best efforts in reconciliation when dissention and dispute occur among them:

{And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between them – and settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess.} (An-Nisa’ 4: 128)

Commenting on the last verse, At-Tabari, may God have mercy upon him, said:

“There is a consensus that this is applicable when the wife is unattractive or very old and feels that her husband no longer desires her, treats her with contempt or inclines to other women. In such a case, she can waive some of her rights in order to appease him and maintain her marital life.”

Be Patient

Islam warns against following whims and desires as well as surrendering to emotions, which overwhelm and change. A husband may feel aversion towards his wife, but if he is patient, this feeling will soon change. Therefore, it is not acceptable that a husband divorces his wife because of these temporary feelings of aversion.

God says:  {And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good} (An-Nisa’ 4: 18)

In a Hadith, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

“No believing man should hate his believing wife. If he dislikes some of her characteristics, he would surely like another.” [Muslim]

This means that a husband could hate one of his wife’s characteristics while he is heedless of her other good ones. Consequently, he has to think deliberately before divorce as he may prefer keeping her and his feeling of dislike could change.

It was narrated that a man consulted ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, about divorcing his wife and ‘Umar said to him: “Do not do so.”

“I do not love her,” the man argued.

‘Umar may Allah be pleased with him said, “Are families built only on love? Where is, then, mutual care and the maintenance of rights and duties?” [Fi Thilaal Al-Quranby Sayyid Qutb]

The statement of ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, indicates how Islam is keen to maintain the solemn marital contract as Allah describes it in the Quran:

{And they have taken from you a solemn covenant.} (An-Nisa’ 4: 21)

Even if love is missing in marital life, there is still scope for cooperation, solidarity and the fear of blame for divorce which distresses the wife, the children and the husband himself in many cases.

“Keeping good family ties essential in Islam” by Khalid Baig

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship” (Bukhari)

The young man went to attend the weekly hadith lecture of Sayyidna Abu Huraira, Radi-Allahu anhu but the routine opening announcement stopped him. “If anyone sitting here has severed any ties of kinship (qata-ur-rahim), he should leave.” He recalled that an aunt lived in the town with whom he had not been on speaking terms. The young man quietly left the gathering and went straight to his aunt’s home. He asked for forgiveness for his past behavior and sought rapprochement. When the aunt inquired about the reason for this change of heart, he narrated the entire incident.

 She accepted the apology but asked him to inquire from Abu Huraira, Radi-Allahu anhu, the reason for this unusual announcement. Why did he leave all the other major sins and focus only on this? What was so special about ties of kinship? Sayyidna Abu Huraira replied that he had heard from the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalam) that our deeds are presented to Allah every Thursday night and anyone who has severed family ties has all his good deeds rejected.

He did not want any such person sitting in his gathering, which was held on the same night, for fear that it could deprive the entire gathering of blessings. Another hadith explains further the reason for this fear: “Allah’s mercy will not descend on people among whom there is one who severs ties of kinship.” (Baihaqi, Shuab Al-Iman)

Maintaining the bonds of kinship (silatur-rahim) indeed enjoys extraordinary importance in Islam. Conversely, severing the ties (qata-ur-rahim), is very high on the list of enormities. At two places in the Qur’an, Allah has cursed the one severing family ties.

“And those who break the covenant of Allah, after its ratification, and sever that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives) and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse, and for them is the unhappy home (i.e. Hell)” (Ar-Rad 13:25. See also Muhammad, 47:22-23).

A cursed person is one who is deprived of the mercy of Allah. It is an indication of this deprivation that this sin is punished in this world as well as in the Hereafter. “There is no sin more deserving of having punishment meted out by Allah to its perpetrator in advance in this world along with what He stores up for him in the next world than oppression and severing ties of family.” (Tirmidhi).

Another hadith highlights the high stakes involved here in a compelling way: “Rahim (family ties) is a word derived from Ar-Rahman (The Compassionate One) And Allah says: ‘I shall keep connection with him who maintains you and sever connection with him who severs you.’” (Bukhari)

Silatur-rahim has been defined as politeness, kind treatment, and concern for all one’s relatives even if distantly related, corrupt, non-Muslim, or unappreciative. . While nearly every religion has emphasized good family relations, Islam has taken it to unprecedented heights. It is a duty to be discharged without an eye for reciprocity. A Muslim is required to be kind even to his non-Muslim relatives. Similarly he is required to be kind to even those relatives who are harsh to him.

The most telling example in this regard is that of Sayyidna Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu. Among the many people who benefited from his generosity was a relative Mistah, Radi-Allahu anhu. The latter, unfortunately became involved in the scandal about the Mother of Believers, Sayyida Aisha, Radi-Allahu anha, which was started by the leader of the hypocrites. It was a whole month of torment and torture for all involved, after which verses of Surah Noor were revealed exonerating her and prescribing punishment for those involved in the false accusation.

Feeling hurt and betrayed, Sayyidna Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu, vowed never to help Mistah again. Yet the Qur’an asked him to forget and forgive and continue helping his relative, which he did. Is there another society that can even come close to this standard in maintaining family ties?

Islam came to set all our relationships right. This includes our relations with Allah as well as with other human beings. Silat-ur-Rahim is a very important part of the latter.

Today, unfortunately, these teachings can mostly be found in Muslim societies in their violation. The best we do today is reciprocate; more commonly we backbite, cheat, and hurt our relatives and continue the spiral of hurt and humiliation as they respond. And we just abandon those of our relatives who are economically unfortunate.

There are three reasons for this sad situation. First is the widespread ignorance about Islamic teachings in this regard. Even in various Islamic groups the subject hardly gets the attention it deserves. Second is the rampant materialism. While materialism hurts all aspects of our life, it is especially damaging to family ties for they require sacrifice of time, money and personal comfort. The third reason has to do with recent history. It is a “gift” of the transformation of Muslim societies under colonialism.

Industrial Revolution came at a time when Muslim civilization was in the doldrums. Muslim historians point out very accurately that the genesis of European Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution was in the Golden Age of Muslim Spain. Yet it is also true that it progressed at a time of Muslim decline. And that explains the form it took and the devastation it caused to the family life. Everywhere it disrupted human relations. Poet Iqbal pointed to this when he said in his famous line: The rule of machines is death for the heart.

Machine tools crush compassion. Later, under the influence of colonialism, urban centers throughout the Muslim world faithfully duplicated all of these problems. This was just what a blind following of the West promised. Relations between husband and wife, between parents and children, between workers and managers, between neighbors, between relatives, in other words between all segments of society were dealt a devastating blow.

The process continues in the post industrial, neo-colonial period. To quote one example, television is rapidly destroying what was left of human relations, cutting off even members of the same family from each other and engulfing everyone within his or her own pleasure cocoon, oblivious to the world without. It is just one, but probably the most subversive and intrusive tool of our so called postmodern global village. Village of distant neighbors without love and kinship.

Family ties: “Silat-ur-Rahim” by WebAdmin

Islam has placed tremendous emphasis on the establishment, maintenance and preservation of family kinship. Various Qur’anic verses and Ahadith instruct Muslims to be kind, merciful, affectionate and caring towards parents and relatives.

Although almost all religions advocate maintenance of family ties, Islam has taken it to unprecedented heights. A Muslim is commanded to be kind even to his non-Muslim relatives. Similarly, he is required to be kind to those relatives who are unpleasant or harsh towards him.

Maintaining the bonds of kinship (silatur rahim) enjoys extraordinary importance in Islam. Conversely, severing family ties (qat’ur rahim) can lead one to a disastrous end.

Due to the importance Islam has accorded to maintaining family ties, the rewards and benefits of doing so are indeed great. Similarly, neglect and severing family ties can have disastrous consequences on a person’s life. It therefore becomes imperative that every Muslim is soundly educated regarding this important obligation.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY TIES

Mutual dependence is an important facet of human existence on earth. Mankind could not have survived without this co-existence. The fact that Allah Ta’ala created Hawa (alayhas salaam) as a partner for Hazrat Aadam (alayhis salaam) is a classical example to prove the need for interdependence. This reality is manifest in every facet of human existence.

Communication, interaction and interdependence between human beings is an essential requirement for a normal and harmonious society. At every point in one’s life a person will be interacting with other people. Generally, the people one will come into contact with more often are his family folk. Due to the frequent contact resulting from a family relationship, it is imperative that one is always on good terms with family members.

The importance of maintaining harmonious relationships with all family members is highlighted in the following verse: “ And fear Allah through whose medium you ask one another (for your rights) and be mindful of your relatives.” (Surah Nisa)

In this verse, the instruction of keeping family ties follows directly after the instruction of fearing Allah Ta’ala, hence highlighting its importance in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. In another verse it is mentioned, “And worship Allah and do not assign partners with Him and be favourable unto parents and family members and the orphans and the destitute and the near neighbour and the distant neighbour and the traveller and your slaves. And Allah does not love one who is haughty and proud.” (Surah Nisaa)

The great number of Ahadith that instruct family kinship emphasizes the matter even further.“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship.”(Bukhari)

FACTORS THAT MAINTAIN FAMILY UNITY

Regular Visits - In an era when the words “no time” have become a formidable cliché, Muslims are duty bound to keep close contact with family relatives by visiting each other regularly. The trend today is to visit someone if there is some material or worldly benefit, or only if they keep contact with us. Relatives should be visited solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and to create and maintain muhabbat (love) in the family.

Mutual Assistance – Assisting one’s relatives carries two reward; one reward for assisting and one reward for bonding family ties. These noble qualities will also be a practical means of guidance for the children. In this way family relationships are strengthened and can be maintained for generations. Certain people feel uncomfortable to assist relatives if they require financial help in the form of Zakaat, etc. This manner of thought should be corrected.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Sadaqah given to a poor person is an ordinary sadaqah, but sadaqah given to a relative serves two purposes: one as a sadaqah and secondly, an act of upholding family kinship.” (Tirmizi)

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosever desires to have expansion in his sustenance and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Abundant Greeting – Increasing salaam to each other creates muhabbat. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has urged Muslims to spread salaam. Those who initiate salaam are protected from pride and haughtiness.

Exchanging Gifts - Showering relatives with gifts is also an effective method of generating love between people. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Exchange gifts with one another, you will create love and goodwill amongst yourselves.” (Abu Ya’laa)

COMMON FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO FAMILY DISSENSION

Marriage Breakdown – This is the single most factor that has disrupted family life and created discord in communities. The separation of two individuals directly impacts on both families, and in this way the discord permeates the entire community.

It is incumbent upon couples to understand the reality and commitment of Nikah and its impact on society. If the couple have no other option but to divorce, this procedure should be carried out in a dignified Shari manner, and any animosity or hard feelings should be minimised.

Business Upheavals – This is also a major contributor to family problems and disunity. Material interests and love for the world take precedence and people do not realise the consequences of their words and actions. Ignorance and authority play a major role, and wealth of the orphans, innocent and weak is usurped. Strict application of Shari laws and co-operation is required in sensitive business issues. At all times the family unity should be maintained as top priority.

Estate Matters – The demise of a family member is sometimes the spark that leads to endless misery for families when the deceased’s estate is not distributed correctly. Hence it is imperative for Muslims to keep their financial matters in order, thereby not leaving an opportunity for family discord. Ulama should be consulted in this regard for proper Islamic guidance in the field of Islamic inheritance and estate distribution.

Suspicion and Gossip – These are two major qualities that wreak havoc, burn and destroy the perpetrator inwardly. Mischief is created through false information and opinions about people and families causing disunity and family discord. A believer should at no time engage in backbiting or harbour evil thoughts about others. There are severe warnings of chastisement for people who engage in these sins. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all.

According to a Hadith, “One who joins ties when family members are co-operative and returns the same affection cannot be said to be one who joins family ties, rather the one who can truly be termed a person who joins ties is he who upholds and maintains the ties when the other family members have severed ties with him.” (Bukhari)

EMPHASIS ON UNITY

The extent to which Islam detests disunity and dissension can be gauged from the following Hadith. Umme Kulsum (radiyallahu anha) reports that she heard Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who makes peace between the people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar.” (Bukhari)

Speaking lies is a major sin, which invokes the curse of Allah Ta’ala, yet the Shariah has given the concession to speak a “white lie” in order to reconcile a dispute and keep two people on talking terms.

SEVERE WARNINGS FOR THOSE WHO SEVER FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Just as the reward and rank for maintaining family unity is great and fulfilling, similarly the warnings and sin for severing and breaking ties is equally detrimental.Allah Ta’ala has cursed the one severing family ties, “And those who break the covenant of Allah, after its ratification, and sever that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives) and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse, and for them is the unhappy home (i.e. Hell)” (Surah Ar Rad)

A cursed person is one who is deprived of the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. This sin is punishable in this world as well as in the Hereafter. “There is no sin more deserving of having punishment meted out by Allah to its perpetrator in advance in this world along with what He has for him in the next world than oppression and severing family ties.” (Tirmizi)

A Hadith highlights the rank and importance of this duty: “Rahim (family ties) is a word derived from Allah’s special quality, Ar Rahman (The Compassionate One). And Allah says: ‘I shall keep connection with him who maintains you and sever connection with him who severs you.’” (Bukhari)

A person should love someone solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. If there is need to dislike someone for Shari reasons this should also be for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. If a person is compelled to sever ties with a family member due to a genuine Shari reason, then the aforementioned warnings will not be applicable.

Family disputes and differences should be resolved early and amicably. Procrastination in resolving family matters can lead to explosive situations. Ulama should be consulted in good faith and the matter should be put forward factually, honestly and sincerely.

The Jamiat assists individuals who are experiencing social difficulties. Problems are discussed and mediated under the guidance of Ulama. Counselling and advice is also offered telephonically, via e-mail and other mediums of correspondence.

“Family ties – practical advice” by WebAdmin

A Muslim is required to maintain a good relationship with his relatives. In Islamic terms, ‘Silah-Rahimi’ is used to denote ‘good treatment towards the relatives’.

In the Qur’an Allah tells us:

“Give your relatives their due…” (17:26)

“Allah commands justice, kindness and giving to near relatives….” (16:90)

“…And show kindness to your parents and to near relatives…” (4:36)

The sayings of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] are replete with virtues of joining the ties of relations and helping relatives. We are encouraged to visit our relatives, inquire about their circumstance, spend on them, give them sadaqa (voluntary charity) if they are poor,assist them in any reasonable way and the most important is to show love and affection to them.

In the Quraan, where the Muslims are enjoined to show kindness to parents, they are also required to treat other relatives with love and sympathy and to pay due regard to their rights as well.

The foremost claim on a person is that of his mother, then of his father, and then grade by grade, of the other relatives. Therefore through relationship, the relatives’ rights come after that of the parents.

Allah has declared, “I am Allah, I am Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), I have created the bond of kinship and named it Rahim,-which I have derived from the root of my name of Rahman. Thus, whoever, shall join it (ie. Rahim), I shall join him, and whoever will break it, I shall break him.”

The Almighty has designed the system of birth in such a way, that whoever is born, is tied to the bonds of kinship-and these bonds carry certain claims and rights. Thus, whoever fufills these claims, by being kind to his relatives and treating them well, Allah will “join him” i.e. He will make him His own and bestow His favour and mercy on him. And whosoever will violate these claims, Allah will “break him” i.e. He will have nothing to do with him.

Fulfilling the Rights of Relatives

It is related by Anas (R.A.) that the Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said“Whoever wants an increase in his sustenance and that the marks of his feet remain for a long time in the world (i.e. to live long) – he should be kind and helpful to his relatives.”

Family quarrels, which generally arise from the disregard of the relatives’ rights, affect a persons health and causes friction in homes and in the community at large. Those who treat their relatives well and are helpful to them, are free from tensions and they are happier and more peaceful.

Violation of Relatives’ Rights

The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has said “Whoever violates the rights of relatives, shall not go to Paradise.”

It shows that the violation of the relatives’ rights is so detested by Allah, that with its filthiness, no one can enter Paradise. It is only when a person (believer) has received his punishment or has been forgiven, that the gates of Paradise will be opened for him.

Showing Kindness to Those Who Severe Relations

Often,there are people who care little for the bonds of relationship and are rude and unjust in this respect. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has enjoined to continue to treat them well and fufil the obligations, irrespective of what they do and how they behave.

Abdullah ibn Umar(R.A.) relates from the Prophet (S.A.W.), “He does not fulfill the claim of Silah-Rahimi[one who keeps the ties of relations] who shows no kindness in return for the kindness shown to him. The person who really fulfills the claim is he who treats his relatives well even when they are mean and unjust to him.”

A man asked: O Messenger of Allaah[pbuh], I have relatives with whom I maintain ties of relations, yet they cut-off from me. I treat them kindly, yet they treat me in an evil manner. And I am forbearing and patient with them, yet they behave rudely and ignorantly towards me.

 The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
“If the situation is as you say, then it is as if you are filling their mouths with sand. And Allaah will continue to aid and support you as long as you continue doing what you are doing.”

When the violation of the rights of relatives is returned in a similar manner, the evil will spread in the society -But if it is returned with kindness, it may lead to their correction and it will assist in the promotion of Silah-Rahimi, in the life of the community.

As we know, Islam enjoins us not only to be good to those who are good to us, but also to be good to those who are not good to us. This shows exemplary moral character according to the standard of Islam.

And the most important aspect of fulfilling the rights of relatives….It is a means to Allah’s happiness!!!

Some practical Tips to Promote Family Relations:

·         Visit them often- don’t wait for “occasions” e.g. deaths, marriages etc

·         Invite them home

·         Always show love even if your relatives do not do the same.

·         Always make dua [pray] for them

·         Give them gifts- Spend on them according to your means.

·         Help them in need and sympathise with them on sad occasions

·         Share happy moments and occasions with them

·         Avoid backbiting- It’s the main cause of friction

·         Always talk positively about them and don’t look down upon them

·         Occasionally give them a call to enquire about their welfare

·         Don’t compete with them in material pursuits.

·         Always be a well-wisher of your Relatives

·         Plan ways to improve and strengthen relations.

“How to develop your family ties with the Quran” by Tasnim Nazeer

  One of the greatest gifts of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) to mankind is the revelation of The Noble Quran as a Muslim’s source of guidance in our lives. By reading, listening, learning and reciting we can truly benefit in this life and the next. Therefore it is important for every Muslim to utilise their time and make reading the Quran a daily and family activity, for indeed The Qur’an will testify for you or against you onThe Day of Judgment. But how can we practically integrate the Quran into our day today lives and especially with our families?

• Quran and the Family

Make the Quran a family event, and a cherished part of the day – not a chore. Build excitement and enjoyment around the time you and your family spend with Quran. Days get so busy and fly by so set a time of a day that you will spend with yourfamily and The Quran, even if it is just reading 2 pages after Fajr at first and then you can increase once you’ve established a routine.

• Reading, Reciting, Memorizing, Understanding, Implementing the Qur’an

Reading The Qur’an improves our intelligence as for many of us we will be reading in a script not familiar to us, and thus this challenges and pushes our mind. It is also an enjoyable activity to gather as a family to recite The Qur’an and help and test each other’s memorization. One can supplement this activity by reading a good translation or tafsir to understand the ayaat; and moreover, one can pick up a lesson or two from what was read and come up with a list as a family of how to implement the ayaat in our daily lives (eg. Spreading the salaams, feeding the poor, etc.). After all, TheQur’an was meant to be recited and acted upon and lived – our Prophet (Peace be upon him) was like a walking and living Qur’an.

Some children (and adults) struggle to read The Qur’an, but the reward is abundant even if we are struggling – and the reward is even greater when we are patient and persevere in sha’ Allah. The solution is simply to read more and practise, even though it might be difficult at the beginning – the more you/the child reads, the more familiar you/the child will become with Arabic and the vocabulary, and over time the reading will improve tremendously.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]

This hadith emphasizes the importance placed on the Quran in our lives as it will act as a guide for us in this world and an intercessor on the Day of Judgment when we will all be accountable for our deeds. If you neglect the Quran and do not acknowledge its importance then you have been warned about the consequences.

• Teach the Noble Quran in the Community

Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others”. [Al-Bukhari]

If you are qualified, you can teach the Quran – for example you can volunteer at an Islamic school or a masjid to teach the Arabic letters, or tajweed, or memorization.The rewards are many.

• Give your children Islamic knowledge from an early age

Enrolling your children in Quranic classes and Islamic studies can help them to acquirethe knowledge they need for success in this life and the hereafter, and perhaps give them the chance to teach it to others when they get older in sha’ Allah. Have high aims for your child – set them on the path to be a Hafiz. From an early age my parents sent me to the mosque to attend Quran classes and this has helped me today as a mother when I have to teach my children the Quran. Giving your child knowledge of Islam and The Quran is truly one of the best (if not the best) gifts you coul give your child.

Seeking knowledge at a young age is like engraving on a stone. – Hasan al-Basri

But it’s never too late – I have heard of seniors embarking on Hifz; so regardless ofyour age, seek out Hifz, tafsir or other Islamic studies classes.

• Encourage participation in Quran Recitation Competitions

Submerge your child in a fun Islamic environment where they are encouraged to excel in their deen, let them compete for good deeds. Some children who are confident may like to focus their time on competitions, but instead of focusing all their time on meaningless ones (eating contests, for example) you could encourage your child toparticipate in Quran Recitation competition. This will not only help them to learn new surahs but it will also encourage them to read out aloud and build their confidence in reciting Quran beautifully with eloquence. This will increase your child’s excitement insha’ Allah.

(Notes: If your child is shy, don’t force him into a stressful situation for him/her where they will be uncomfortable and put off. Also make sure this isn’t a source of riya (showing off) or upset – every reciter of Quran at the event should be honoured).

• Provide motivation and incentives for your children

Giving your children motivation and creating incentives can help build confidence and also make them feel special. If they have memorized a Surah to the best of their ability then ensure that you give them the praise they deserve and encourage themwith their achievements and learning. If children feel that they are being encouraged, they will be more likely to want to learn more and further their Quranic knowledge within the community. Why not show your approval and the pleasure that is attachedto the deen by planning a family outing or cooking their favourite meal for their good efforts.

The Qur’an is our healing, our mercy, and our guide – how can we truly be successful if we turn away from the very fountain of wisdom, guidance, and success?We should all strive to engage our family in beneficial activities to work towards theMercy of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. (HSH)

Sources:

1.      OnIslam

2.      Islaaminfo.co.za

3.      Jamiat.org

4.       http://jamiat.org.za/blog/rights-of-relatives/

5.   MuslimVillage.com