Living Islam

The Family in Islam

The family, which is the basic unit of civilization, is now disintegrating. Islam’s family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish behaviour, generosity, and love in the framework of a well-organized family system. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit are greatly valued, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children.

How do Muslims treat the elderly?

In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honour and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honoured.

When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness. In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become dif cult.

Neighbours

It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in God and the Last Day (the Day of Judgment) should do good to his neighbour” (Narrated Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 6019).

How does one become a Muslim?

One becomes a Muslim simply by saying with understanding and conviction the declaration of faith, La illaha ill Allah Muhammad-ur Rasulullah. This saying means

‘There is no god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God’.

The first part, “There is no god but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone and that God has neither a partner nor son. The person has to deny that there is anything else worthy of worship except God (Allah) alone. This includes denying and rejecting those people who overstep the limits set by the Creator or those people who wish to take an attribute of Allah upon themselves, such as the ‘Forgiver’ or ‘Lawgiver’.

The declaration also needs to be said with knowledge and certainty. The person also needs to submit to Allah with love and sincerity. When someone converts to Islam, God forgives all of his previous sins and evil deeds.

To be a Muslim, one should also:

• Believe that the Qur'an is the literal word of God, revealed by Him.

• Believe that the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection) is true and will come, as God promised in the Qur'an.

• Accept Islam as his or her religion.

• Not worship anything nor anyone except God.

• Accept all of the previous Prophets send by God and believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Last Prophet of God.