السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Saturday 27th June 2020. Let’s talk about ‘Enjoining the Good’ today.
Living in the UK in the 21st century, we surely have been blessed by Almighty Allāh. In most, if not all, towns and cities of the UK, a number of Islamic programmes and activities take place. Regular bayāns are transmitted from Masjids into homes via radio receivers, so that each and every family member benefits. Some even broadcast online, benefiting the whole world.
One of the most important teachings of Islām is ꜤAmr bil MāꜤrūf’, which can be translated as ‘enjoining the good’. In other words, do not be selfish with the good actions and deeds that you do. Definitely carry them out, but at the same time, encourage others to do them as well.
First and foremost, it’s you. Then come your immediate family members whom you live with. With wisdom and love, encourage your family members to carry out all the good deeds as well. If the father is leaving for the Masjid to offer his Ṣalāh with JamāꜤat, he should encourage his sons to join him. Before leaving or upon return, he should check upon the rest of the family members.
If each and every family member worried about each other then مَا شَآءَ الله, the whole family will start enjoying a practising Islamic life. Have concern for your extended family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours, etc. In fact, worry about everyone. If one person carries out one good act because of your encouragement, you will also get the same reward.
Unfortunately, ‘enjoining the good’ has become very difficult today. In some families, there is little or no communication with family members. Everyone is in their own room or within their own space. Mum wants to encourage the daughter to do good deeds but the communication is not there. The father wants to tell the son, but how?
Let’s overcome this. Just like we want happiness and joy for each and every one in our family in relation to this world, we should want it more for them with regard to the Hereafter. Finally, remember, bonding with your toddlers and young ones is not your real achievement, it’s the teenagers, school leavers and college goers who need your encouragement.
Almighty Allāh guide us, our generations and the whole of humanity to the Straight Path, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for DuꜤās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala