By Haroon Balogun

One of the signs of a home that is filled with Allah’s remembrance is for it to become lively at Tahajjud, Fajir, and other prayers. This habit alone can bring tremendous peace to one’s household.

The importance of this habit is obvious from a hadith where the Prophet (S) said: “The likeness of a house in which Allah is remembered and the house in which Allah is not remembered is that of the living and the dead, respectively.” With regard to men, the Prophet (S) said: “The best prayer is a man’s prayer in his house – apart from the prescribed prayers in the mosque.” (Reported by al-Bukhari, al-F

Keep Shaytan out of the house

Allah has told us in the Quran that Shaytan is our enemy and we should do everything to keep him out of our lives. Shaytan hurts us by misguiding us toward evil deeds, making the bad look acceptable, bringing misfortune in our lives and families, and so on. The more we succeed in keeping his tactics and curses away from our lives and our homes, the fewer will be the fights, arguments, misunderstandings, etc., and the more will we enjoy Allah’s peace and blessings.

Both Allah and the prophet (s) have told us how to ward off Shaytan’s whispers and other evil tactics. For example, when entering a house, we should ensure that everyone welcomes the others at home by saying the Islamic greeting of “As-salamun alaikum”.

Abu Dawood reported in his Sunan that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “If a man goes out of his house and says, ‘Bismillaah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa Billaah (In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, there is no help and no strength except in Allah),’ it will be said to him, ‘This will take care of you, you are guided, you have what you need and you are protected.’ The Shaytaan will stay away from him. Obviously, what can he do with a man who is guided, provided for and protected by Allah? Certainly nothing.

Also, endeavour to recite Q2 at home.  The surah is long, but family members can alternate in the recitation of the Surah. You can also play it from a CD or any device. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: “Do not make your houses into graves. The Shaytaan flees from a house in which Suratul Baqarah is recited.”

Let respect, kindness and trust rule the affairs of the family

Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah (S) said: ‘When Allah – may He be glorified – wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.’” (Reported by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/71; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 303).

Each individual has a unique identity and individuality that deserves to be respected. Giving time to listen to each other and helping solve problems in the light of Islam will make a household more conducive for productive problem solving. On the contrary, a home filled with frequent argumentation, disputes, and quarrels will only foster bad feelings and is something that stands counter to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah.

Let’s remember that the prophet (s.a.w) associated an argumentative and disputing attitude with misguidance. He said, “A nation never went astray after being guided except by means of disputation (Tirmidhi #3253 and ibn Majah #48 on the authority of Abu Umamah).” In this context, we should also exercise the use of our tongues with great care. The Prophet (S) said: “Blessed is the one who controls his tongue…”

Family members should also uphold each other’s trust and ensure that family matters stay private unless there is a specific need to share it with others. This especially pertains to spousal issues and matters. The prophet (s.a.w) said, “One of the most evil of people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who went in unto his wife and she went in unto him (had relations with each other), then he (or she) disclosed her (or his) secret.” (Reported by Muslim, 4/157). There are other ahadith that clearly and strictly warn the spouses (likening them to devils) when they let others in their very private matters.

Foster a culture of Islamic learning and knowledge

We must teach our children and wives the religion and goodness, and whatever they need of good manners. Fostering and nurturing a learning environment at home where family members share Islamic teachings regularly can help all members to become more knowledgeable about Islam, improving one’s life in turn. Let’s remind ourselves that the prophet (s.a.w) used to teach his wives / family and even servants quite regularly. If the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) used to urge the teaching of female servants, who were slaves, what do you think about your children and wives, who are free?”

Discussing Islamic wisdom regularly can help us to stay informed and involved in ongoing self assessment. Most of us are usually preoccupied with issues related to our responsibilities, work, relationships and disappointments in life. While discussing these matters with our family members, we can relate them to how the prophet (s.a.w) and his companions resolved such matters. We should find opportunities to discuss such issues when everyone comes together as for instance during meal times.

Family members should also use the learning opportunities at home to learn and advise each other on matters of halal and haram. Let’s remind ourselves that once we cross those lines and start characterizing the bad as acceptable, Satan further raises those limits and does not stop until he completely pushes us into the darkness of evil and shirk (polytheism).