Important Things to Remember
Strive to pack your family healthy lunches and serve them a healthy breakfast so that they have the stamina to face the day.
Serve dates, honey, and milk, as these are sunnah foods and will earn you spiritual rewards.
Encourage your family to eat with the intention that these foods strengthen their bodies to serve Allah for the day.
This act of eating and enjoying halal foods then becomes ibadah (worship).
It is a fact that men want to feel loved and cared for just as much as women do, so do not underestimate the positive effect a little love note can have.
Pop one into your hubby’s lunch box with the intention of enhancing the love between you.
Alternatively, a sweet text message or an email while hubby is at work can stir heartfelt emotions and will set the mood of your relationship for the day.
Make sure there are some positive connections between you and your kids before they leave the house.
A good long hug or wishing for a good day are simple ways to establish positive vibes.
Umm Zaynab, mother of 4, says she likes to send her daughters a flying kiss at the door before they leave. If you are dropping them off, use the drive in the car to connect.
There are many delightful reports of moments of humor shared between the Prophet (PBUH) and the sahaba (companions).
Sharing jokes in the car can be a fun and lighthearted start to a serious day.
Alternatively, use the time to give them some simple Islamic advice while their minds are still fresh.
Tidiness and cleanliness are an intrinsic part of being Muslim.
“Verily Allah is Pure and loves purity, Clean and loves cleanliness, Noble and loves nobility, Generous and loves generosity. So, keep your courtyards (of your homes) clean, and do not resemble the Jews.” (Tirmidhi)
These household chores are part of the daily grind, so why not turn them into acts of ibadah (worship) you can earn rewards for.
Make the intention to do it for the sake of Allah, as He loves cleanliness and order.
In the same vein, beautifying your home for Allah’s pleasure and to bring comfort to your family can also earn you rewards since Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. [Muslim]
While cooking can be a real labor at times, turning it into ibadah (worship) can be a motivating factor to get that pot on the stove.
Our bodies are a trust from Allah, and one that we should nourish and care for, so cook your family wholesome foods.
Beautify this daily act by keeping up with the remembrance of Allah while you stir your pot, add your spices, measure your flour, etc.
When opening your fridge, express gratitude for all that Allah, your Raziq (Provider), has bestowed on you.
Reciting Allah’s name, Ya-Wadudu (All-Loving) and blowing onto the food can facilitate loving relationships amongst family members.
This is a great way to douse sibling rivalry, for sure!
So now that you have your mornings beautifully organized, let’s look at how we can have a good afternoon and evening the Islamic way.
Have a Fruitful Afternoon
If you fetch your young kids before Dhuhr prayer, a good idea is to set a quiet ‘after school’ rhythm for them.
Take out calming books or set up some water play activities while you pray in as much quiet as possible with young kids around.
Qaylula is the nap or rest (even without sleep) taken at midday or when the sun is at its peak.
This can be done even before Dhuhr prayer unless the salaah is held early (in the beginning of its time), in which case it may be done afterwards.
This power nap has been proven to promote learning and increase performance. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Take a nap, for the shayaateen do not take naps.” (al-Tabaraani)
Encourage your little ones to nap with you else. Put on some nasheeds or audio books to keep them entertained.
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