for the sake of pleasing Allaah. The regular and consistent deeds are
the best among these deeds. `Aa`ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her,
said that Allaah's Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, 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 do
anything 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, sallallaahu alayhi wa
sallam, said:"The best )most rewarding prayer after the obligatory
prayer is Tahajjud, night prayer."]Ahmad and Muslim[ It is best to do
this toward the last third of the night as the Prophet, sallallaahu
`alayhi wa sallam, 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, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam,
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 who
remember 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, sallallaahu
`alayhi wa sallam, 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, may Allaah be
pleased with her, said that the right hand was used by 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, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:"If I had not
found it difficult for my followers, I would have 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,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, 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 soon after the time has
begun. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked which deed
was loved most by Allaah, The Exalted. He, sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam, 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, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, 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 build no hope on what is in the hands of men."]Ahmad[
It is often asked if women need to make the Athaan and Iqaamah if 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 is often a good time to recite the
Quran, especially if the children are still sleeping and the house is
quiet. This allows one to fully concentrate and obtain the most
benefit. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, 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 if she does not, she may still
recite from memory or listen to tapes if she 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 other sisters 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, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to eat
a very healthy food such as dates, cucumbers, bread, meat, milk, etc….
Much of the unhealthy food that we have now was obviously not
available at the time of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam.
It is best to 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. Cleanliness is
also an important element of the Islamic faith and should be observed
in all matters, especially in 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, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, 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, sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam.
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 spiritual reasons. The Messenger of Allaah,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, 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 should be 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 a month, to perform two Rak'ah of Dhuhaa )forenoon(
Prayer , and to perform Witr before sleeping."]Bukhaari and Muslim[
This is one of the forgotten Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi
wa sallam, that needs to be revived. Two or more Rak'ah should be
prayed some time after the 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!
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