A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUSLIM WOMAN
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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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?" It is even better if the husband and wife perform the Tahajjud together as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 Allah 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked which deed was loved most by Allah, The Exalted. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
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 Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) 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 (peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him) 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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