السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Monday 15th June 2020. Let’s talk about ‘Family Values’ today.
We are now approaching the fourth month of containment. Without a shadow of doubt, this unprecedented lockdown has definitely brought a lot of blessings in disguise. I have spoken to so many people and asked them how their Ramaḍān went. All the answers were ‘it was the best Ramaḍān ever’.
Of course we men missed going to the Masjids, but then our womenfolk at home got the chance to pray their Ṣalāhs with JamāꜤat مَا شَآءَ الله. We missed out on taking part in bayāns and other programmes at the Masjid, but then we all sat together as a family at home and benefited together.
Last but not least, for the recitation of The Holy QurꜤān in Tarāwīḥ, all the Ḥuffāẓ, young and old, came out of retirement. The rest of the family joined in, and everyone enjoyed listening to The Holy QurꜤān مَا شَآءَ الله. Therefore, definitely more positives than negatives.
Continuing with the theme ‘family values’, prior to lockdown, most of us had almost forgotten the value of being a family. We were all leading our own independent lives. Families with school aged children were somewhat connected, but, those with older or married children had become like strangers to one another.
Since Monday 23rd March, family values have returned مَا شَآءَ الله. Grandparents, mum and dad, sons and daughters, in-laws, grandchildren, and all who live together as one family unit, rediscovered the true meaning of family. Everyone started enjoying and valuing each other’s company. Lunch and dinner became happy times again when we all sat down together to eat.
What a wonderful atmosphere and beautiful blessing مَا شَآءَ الله. Let’s ensure we keep these family values alive as we ease out of lockdown. Remember, there is no substitute for family. One may have thousands of followers on facebook or social media, hundreds of fans; however, only family will sit outside ICU praying for you when the time comes (Allāh spare us).
Finally, spare a thought for those who don’t have families, maybe an only unmarried sibling whose parents have passed away. Try and provide as much support as possible to such individuals, and make them feel part of our family.
Almighty Allāh give us the true understanding of family life so that we can value it while we have it, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for DuꜤās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala