Importance of Families in Islam

on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Any human that comes into this world is surounded relations that already exist regardless of personal choice. Those beautiful relationships help the person grow and understand the norms of a complicated world. Kinship in Muslim families is very important because the bonds created by familiy are the strongest bonds of all.

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Nuclear and extended families of modern society are supported by the high status of familial relations in Islam. Families are a safe haven and a source of protection, hence Muslim families are defined as, “the establishment of a safe social relationship on the basis of mutual respect, protection of rights and duties of its members, consideration of morality and generosity, a key role in safeguarding its member’s consolidation, fluency and stability” (Sayyid Jalal Mir A’qaiee).

Members in the Muslim family system each have their own set of rights including rights of parents, rights of grandparents and rights of children.

Parents and Grandparents are to be shown respect in the Muslim family, and the children are to be a source of strength in old age. The Quran teaches, “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that [you show] kindness to parents. Should one or both of them attain to old age with you, Say not “Fie” unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little. Your Lord is best aware of what is in yourselves. If you are righteous, then Lo! He was ever forgiving unto those who turn unto Him” (17: 23-25).”

Children in the Muslim Family, similarly, have rights too. The Quran teaches, “Upon death, man’s deeds will (definitely) stop except for three deeds, namely, a continuous charitable fund; endowment or goodwill; knowledge left for people to benefit from; and pious righteous and God-fearing children who continuously prays Allah, the Almighty, for the soul of his parents.” The Prophet (PBUH) said that children are to be looked after by their parents; have a right to education; a right to food, shelter and clothing; and to be protected and secured.
Prophet Muhammad also said: “Be fair and just in terms of the gifts you offer your children. If I was to give preference to any (gender over the other) I would have preferred females over males (in terms of giving gifts).”



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