A Day in the Life of a Muslim Woman - I

Normal and everyday activities become acts of worship if they are done
for the sake of pleasing Allaah. The regular and consistent deeds are
the best among these deeds. `Aa`ishah said that Allaah's Messenger
said: "The deeds most loved by Allaah are those done regularly, even
if they are small." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] This means that we do not
need to doanything spectacular in our day to obtain rewards from
Allaah, but we should establish some type of routine that incorporates
not only the prayer but also reciting the Quran, Du'aa`
(supplication), Thikr (mention of Allaah), and other good deeds. This
will increase the serenity, patience, and enthusiasm of the believer.
Early morning
This article is the first in a series aimed at bringing the spiritual
side in the everyday life of a married Muslim woman:
Wake at night to perform Tahajjud. The Prophet said: "The best (most
rewarding prayer after the obligatory prayeris Tahajjud, night
prayer." [Ahmad and Muslim] It is best to do this toward the last
third of the night as the Prophet said: "Allaah descends every night
in the last third of the night [in a way that befits His majesty] and
says: Is there anyone invoking Me that I may respond to his
invocation? Is there anyone asking of Me so that I may grant him his
request? Is there anyone asking My Forgiveness, so that I may forgive
him?" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It is even better if the husband and
wife perform the Tahajjud together as the Prophet said: "When a man
wakes his wife up at night and they perform two Rak'ah together, they
are written down among the men and women whoremember Allaah." [Abu
Daawood] After this prayer, one can return to bed until the Fajr
prayer.
Upon awakening in the morning, say this Du`aa`: "Al-Hamdu
Lillaah,praise be to Allaah who brought me to life after giving me
death, and to Him is the resurrection." [Al-Bukhaari] One should also
greet the other members of the household who are awake. The Prophet
said: "O my son (to Anas), when you enter to where your family is, say
Salaam. It is a blessing on you and on the people of your house."
[At-Tirmithi]
When getting dressed, say this Du`aa`: "AI-Hamdu Lillaah, praise be to
Allaah, who clothed me with this, and who provided me with it, without
any power or might of mine." [Abu Daawood]
Make Wudu or Ghusl (except for menstruating or postnatal women):
Du`aa` when entering the bathroom: "In the name of Allaah, O Allaah, I
seek refuge in You from the male and female devils." [Abu Daawood]
Be sure to use the left hand in the bathroom: "`Aa`ishah said that the
right hand was usedby Allaah's Messenger for his ablution and for
taking food, and his left hand was used in the toilet and the like."
[Abu Daawood]
Say "Bismillaah" and make Wudu (ablution). It is also encouraged to
use the Miswak or toothbrush,although it is not an obligatory aspect
of Wudu. The Prophet said: "If I had not found it difficult for my
followers, I wouldhave ordered them to clean their teeth with Miswak
for every prayer." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Du`aa` after finishing Wudu: "I testify that there is no god but
Allaah, Alone, having no partner; and I testify that Muhammad is His
servant and Messenger, O Allaah, make me of those who continually
repent and purify themselves." [At-Tirmithi]
Du`aa` when leaving the bathroom, "(I ask for) Your forgiveness." [Abu Daawood]
Perform Fajr Prayer : 2 Rak'ah of Sunnah and the two obligatory Rak'ah
(except for menstruating or post-natal women). It is important to
remember that the prayer should be completed soonafter the time has
begun. The Prophet was asked which deed was loved most by Allaah, The
Exalted. He said: "The prayer which is performed at its time."
[Al-Bukhaari] Even if a woman is busy with another task, she should
interrupt this and perform her Prayer .
A woman should try to develop Khushoo` (sincere submission) in prayer
since this will be the first thing that she will be accountable for on
Judgment Day. The Prophet said: "When you stand up for your Prayer ,
make it as if it was your last Prayer ; do not say a word for which
you will have to make an excuse the coming day; and buildno hope on
what is in the hands of men." [Ahmad]
It is often asked if women need to make the Athaan and Iqaamahif they
are leading the Prayer or praying by them selves. This is not required
for women, although they may do it if they wish. In terms of the
manner of performing the prayer, a woman's prayer is no different from
that of a man's.
Recite the Quran. Early morning isoften a good time to recite the
Quran, especially if the children are still sleeping and the house
isquiet. This allows one to fully concentrate and obtain the most
benefit. The Prophet said: "(The recital of) the Quran at dawn is
always witnessed - the angels of the night and the angels of the day
witness it." [At-Tirmithi] If one's spouse is available, this would be
the ideal time to strengthen the marriage by reciting the Quran
together and praising Allaah for His blessings. The issue of women
touching the Quran during menstruation is often debated. Most scholars
say that a woman should not touch the Quran during this time. However,
even ifshe does not, she may still recite from memory or listen to
tapes ifshe fears she may forget the Quran. This should be an
incentive to memorize larger portions of the Quran, which can also be
done during this early morning time.
Work on a project that will benefit the Muslim community in some way.
Before the children awake and after reciting the Quran, it would be a
good time to put energy into some project of interest to which one is
committed. This may include such things as acquiring more Islamic
knowledge by reciting or listening to tapes, writing articles,
preparing for circles, developing some type of program (such as a
Children's circle, Muslim scouting program, etc.), keeping in touch
with othersisters through e-mail, social service projects, etc. There
are many opportunities for sisters to benefit themselves (through
Allaah's rewards) and the community.
Mid and late morning
Prepare a healthy breakfast for the family. It is important to
remember that the Prophet used to eat a very healthy food such as
dates, cucumbers, bread, meat, milk, etc…. Much of the unhealthy food
that we have nowwas obviously not available at thetime of the Prophet
. It is bestto avoid processed foods and to use items that are the
most natural. Allaah Knows what is best for His Creation and He has
provided us with all that we need. We should take care of our
children's physical needs in the best manner possible. Cleanlinessis
also an important element of the Islamic faith and should be observed
in all matters, especiallyin food preparation and eating.
Du`aa` when beginning the meal. "O Allaah! Bless whatever You provided
for us and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire. Bismillaah."
The Prophet told a boy who was attending a meal with him: "... Mention
the name of Allaah, and eat with your right hand and eat of the food
that is nearer to you." [Al-Bukhaari] Spend some time in conversation
during the meal since this was encouraged by the Prophet .
Duaa after finishing the meal "Praise be to Allaah, who gave us to eat
and to drink and made us Muslims." [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi] It is
important to remember not to overeat due to the unhealthiness of this
behavior for physical and spiritualreasons. The Messenger of Allaah
said: "The son of Adam fills no vessel more displeasing to Allaah than
his stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his
strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a thin his food, a
third for his food, a third for his drink and leave a third empty for
easy breathing." [At-Tirmithi] Overeating can lead to laziness and
lethargy, and make acts of worship seem laborious, making it more
likely that one will delay or avoid them.
Spend quality time with the children. Older children may need to be
sent off to school, while younger children will continue to require
the attention of their mother. Raising children is the most important
and most honorable role for a woman. It is essential to include
quality time with the children in a busy daily schedule. This should
be given priority over household chores and other activities, although
it should not interfere with obligatory acts of worship. Quality time
may include such things as reading books about Islam, teaching Arabic,
reciting the Quran together, playing games, going to the park, and
much more. The emphasis shouldbe on the children's spiritual,
intellectual, emotional and physical development. Doing this early in
the day also makes it more likely that children will be content to
play with themselves later on, freeing time for other activities.
Perform Ad-Dhuhaa prayer: Abu Hurayrah said: "My friend (the Prophet)
advised me to observe three things, not to abandon them till I die; to
fast three days amonth, to perform two Rak'ah ofDhuhaa (forenoon)
Prayer , and toperform Witr before sleeping." [Bukhaari and Muslim]
This is oneof the forgotten Sunnah of the Prophet that needs to be
revived. Two or more Rak'ah should be prayed some time afterthe sun
rises until a few moments before noon. The preferred time is when it
is extremely hot, which usually occurs around the hour before noon. A
mother has a wonderful opportunity to renew this Sunnah by teaching
her children from a very young age. Have a peaceful and blessed
morning!