Strong family ties built on the teachings of Quran and Sunnah provide the necessary foundation for a happy and joyous household and in turn contribute to the overall health of a society. On the other hand, members of troubled families struggle to maintain calm within and watch helplessly as day to day troubles tarnish and strain their relationships, and as a result grapple with daily stress in their lives. In extreme cases, this might result in corrupting the very foundations of societies at large. As family members, therefore, everyone has the obligation to take the necessary measures to strengthen these foundations.
Having a family is a blessing and its members must work to make family life at home peaceful and joyful.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
*”“And Allah has made for you in your homes an abode …” [Surah al-Nahl:80]”*
A home is also a place of protection from the fitnah (corruption) of the outside world.
The Prophet (S.A.W.S.) said:
“The safety of a man at times of fitnah is in his staying home.”
Islamic teachings based on the foundation of the Quran and the teachings of the prophet (s.a.w.s.) provide us with those guidelines. To benefit from those guidelines, we ought to “live” Islam within our families. We do not become Muslims simply by being born into a Muslim family. Rather, Islamic character is formed from a combination of parental efforts, personal struggle, prayers and supplications.
The necessity to bring Islam within our families is underscored by Allah telling us in the Quran to protect ourselves and our family members from the fire.
He says in the Quran,:
“O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” (Surah Tahrim:6)
Protecting one’s family from the fire refers to fostering a guiding environment for our families. The Prophet (S.A.W.S.), too, stressed that we all actively help lead our families in the right direction. He (s.a.w.s.) said:”“Allah will ask every shepherd (or responsible person) about his flock (those for whom he was responsible), whether he took care of it or neglected it, until He asks a man about his household.”
We know that the walls of a home have little to do with the building of healthy dynamics within family members. That usually comes from living our lives according to the principles of Islam. So, how do we live Islam within our families and nurture a good home? This in turn can help in building the foundations of a joyous family.