By ADERONKE ADEYERI

As a microcosm of the society, the family is an important institution that must be well managed and protected in line with the guidelines set by the creator. Facing the Kaaba in a chat with Imam Abdul Hafeez Abojututu dissects the conundrum of an ideal Muslim family and offer tips on how to make the union sustainable. Excerpts:

What does an ideal Muslim family look like?

I will start by mentioning the components of a family, the father, mother and children. Therefore, an ideal family starts with the right selection of people. By this, I mean a man who is a Muslim must search for a woman who also believes in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed to marry before one can begin to think of an ideal family.

The process of marriage in Islam must be followed, I mean Nikkah and observing the required prayers before having canal knowledge of themselves. However, an ideal Muslim family consists of a legally married couple (husband and wife) and their children. It also includes their parents, siblings and other relatives. A Muslim family comes into existence through blood relationship and marriage.

Allah (SWT) says, “And it is He Who has made man from water: Then He has set up relationships of family and marriage: And your Lord is ever All Powerful (over all things).” [Surah Al Furqaan: 54]

What are the attributes of an ideal Muslim  family?

A family constitutes a unit of the society and having an ideal family means having peaceful and godly society. According to a Muslim scholar Shiek Dr. Fathi Yakan, whom I respect his opinion dearly mentioned six qualities of an ideal Muslim family. This great man said they must be Muslims in their faith, meaning even in their thinking as a family, their religion must be obvious.

Also, their mode of worship must be that of Islam. Again, an ideal Muslim family must follow Prophet Mohammed in character and deeds, they must be far from any kind of ungodliness. The house of an ideal Muslim family must portray Islam. You should not be told this is a Muslim house as you step into it. This does not necessarily mean the photographs on the wall or frame but the setting of the house or even the way you are received into the house.

The members of an ideal family must submit to the will of Allah. They must be ready to forgo their interest for the sake of their believe. Lastly, they must live and be ready to do anything for Islam. People in their community must appreciate Islam through their deeds, that is how to make humanity better. If all these can be put into practice, the society will be a better place.

What social and religious activities are expected of an ideal Muslim family?

Religious activities expected of an ideal Muslim family includes observing the daily prayers as when due. Organizing and attending seminars where the word of Allah will be propagated. Fasting during Ramadan is also a religious activity that an ideal Muslim family can not but participate. The annual pilgrim to Mecca is also a religious activity.

In fact, all these activities bring the family together. The social aspect has to do with our personality and social functions like marriage ceremony, burial, child naming and even meeting your wife. The teachings of Prophet Mohammed has given us guidelines on how best to go about all these. Islam is not a religion that preaches isolation as some people erroneously say but a religion of love. Let people around you see love in your character and give alms to the needy.

How can a Muslim family in discord trace their feet back to Almighty Allah?

Today, our society is full of many vices that only takes the grace of Allah to remain faithful. There are many false ideologies in our society that people use as cover up for their shortcomings. However, the best thing one can do to a family in discord is to call them to order. It could be as a result of a difficulty faced by one member of the family and as such, they need prayers and the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w) from those around them. They need to follow the teachings of the Prophet in their relationship and pray fervently over their situation.