By Mohamed Ibrahim
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in an authentic narration, “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” (Saheeh Tirmidhi)
In today’s times, we are far too busy with work and studies to spend time with our families. Even as I write this to you folks, I see myself struggling with this as well at times. However, this is even more of a reason why I need to discuss this topic. Thinking about solutions for this problem, I am sure that not only I will benefit, but that you will too Insha’Allah.
Spend Time With Them in the Morning
After having prayed Fajr Salah, why not spend some time around one another. Set sometime between Fajr and when the day begins to spend time with each other. This is probably the time when all of the family members are at home. Therefore, what better opportunity to be with one another. I would recommend that this time is used in a beneficial manner. Whether it is performing worship together, setting goals for the entire family, or even discussing matters that need to be discussed. This will be a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and it provides an opportunity to start the day on a positive note.
Utilise the Weekends
I think that for most families, the days that they see each other the most is on the weekends. So why not plan a family get together on these free days. Invite your relatives or neighbors over for dinner, plan a daylong activity outside the house, or even just spend a few hours together without any distractions present. I would recommend putting away all those devices that deter from the experience.
Attend Islamic Programs Together
What better way to bring the family together than to have all of you at your next AlKauthar course, right? As much of shameless plug that may be, you know I am not wrong. A family that learns Islam together practices together. Look to not only increase your own Islamic knowledge but to have the families knowledge increase as well.
Times are changing, and we need to be with our families. Nevertheless, it is never too late to change for the better. So long as Allah permits you to continue on living, you have the chance to make changes in your life for you and your loved ones. As we close the topic of time and family, let us be reminded of what the Qur’an says about time:
بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ (١) إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ (٢) إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ (٣
By the declining day, (1) Lo! Man is a state of loss, (2) Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance. (3) [Surat Al-Asr: 1-3]
Utilize your time with your families to be a time of remembrance of Allah and a time in which you enjoy each other’s company. May Allah grant us the understanding. May He bless our time with our families. And may He gather us together in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Ameen Ya Rab.
