Presence at Home: A Beloved Act in the Sight of Allah

Introduction and occasion of reflecting on this Hadith:

The 10^th of Ramadan marks the anniversary of the passing of Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), the noble wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). On this occasion, we reflect on a powerful saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the value of strengthening family bonds and nurturing the marital relationship:

حضرت محمد مصطفی (ص): جُلُوسُ اَلْمَرْءِ عِنْدَ عِيَالِهِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اَللَّهِ تَعَالَى مِنِ اِعْتِكَافٍ فِي مَسْجِدِي هَذَا (تنبيه الخواطر و نزهة النواظر، ج ۲، ص ۱۱۹)

“The sitting of a man with his family is more beloved to Allah the Exalted than performing i‘tikāf in this mosque of mine.”

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Teens and Youth

1. The Family Is a Sacred Space

Your home is not just a building; it is a protected and honourable space that deserves respect in words, behaviour and online activity.

Practical Challenge: For one week, speak and act at home as if you are in a place of worship  –  no shouting, no mockery, no disrespect.

2. Honour Builds Your Future

The way you respect other families today shapes the kind of respect you will receive in your own future marriage.

Practical Challenge: Make a personal rule: never joke about someone’s spouse, sister, or family member  –  even “harmless” jokes.

3. Be a Protector, Not a Disturber

A believer strengthens families; they do not create tension between spouses.

Practical Challenge: If you see conflict brewing between others, choose silence or wise advice rather than adding fuel to the situation.

4. Family Time Is Worship

Spending time with your family is not a waste of time; it can be an act of worship if done with the right intention.

Practical Challenge: Spend at least 20 minutes daily talking with your parents or siblings without using your phone.

5. Emotional Presence Matters

Being physically present is not enough; listening and caring truly makes a difference.

Practical Challenge: This week, ask one family member how they are really feeling – and listen carefully without interrupting.

6. Balance Worship and Relationships

Acts of worship should never become an excuse to ignore family responsibilities.

Practical Challenge: If you volunteer at the mosque or attend activities, make sure you also plan specific time for your family.

7. Respect Starts at Home

The way you treat your family reflects your character and faith.

Practical Challenge: For one week, avoid raising your voice at home and respond calmly, even during disagreements.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Parents

1. Treat Your Marriage as Worship

Your relationship with your spouse is not ordinary; nurturing it is an act beloved to Allah and the foundation of your children’s security.

Practical Challenge: Express one clear appreciation to your spouse each day for the next seven days.

2. Protect the Warmth Between You

When respect weakens between spouses, outsiders may exploit emotional gaps and harm the family structure.

Practical Challenge: If there is tension, address it privately and calmly rather than allowing distance to grow.

3. Guard Your Family’s Boundaries

Healthy boundaries prevent interference and protect your home from unnecessary outside influence.

Practical Challenge: Identify one area where outside interference is affecting your home and gently set a clearer boundary.

4. Create a Culture of Honour at Home

When children see mutual respect daily, they internalise it as normal behaviour.

Practical Challenge: Establish one weekly family conversation about respect, dignity, and responsibility.

5. Presence Over Provision

Providing financially is important, but your emotional presence is even more valuable.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one evening each week as a “family night” with no work calls or distractions.

6. Small Moments Build Strong Bonds

Simple daily interactions strengthen trust and love within the home.

Practical Challenge: Share one meal a day together and begin it with a short meaningful conversation.

7. Model Balanced Religion

Children learn Islam not only from sermons but from watching how you treat your family.

Practical Challenge: Demonstrate one visible act of kindness to your spouse in front of your children each week.

8. Protect the Emotional Climate of the Home

A calm, loving home environment reflects strong faith.

Practical Challenge: If conflict arises, delay difficult discussions until emotions settle and speak respectfully.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Imams, Chaplains and Religious Leaders

1. Provide Practical Tools for Marital Harmony

Communities need realistic guidance on communication, conflict resolution, and emotional support between spouses.

Practical Challenge: Organise a short workshop or khutbah series offering three practical communication skills couples can apply immediately.

2. Address Modern Threats to Marital Bonds

Social media, emotional affairs, and constant comparison weaken affection between spouses if not addressed clearly.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one sermon specifically to digital boundaries and protecting marital trust.

3. Share Real Consequences

True stories about families harmed by broken boundaries can awaken awareness and prevent similar mistakes.

Practical Challenge: Present anonymised, real-life case examples that highlight the emotional and social cost of violating family sanctity.

4. Be a Model of Family Commitment

Your credibility increases when people see you prioritising your own family life.

Practical Challenge: Publicly emphasise balanced scheduling and share how you protect time for your own household.