Islam and the system of Family Life: –

Islam gives a lot of importance to the system of family life. It vehemently encourages people to get married. Socially speaking, marriage is the foundation of a progressive, happy and content society. The instinct of man as created by Allah is that he wants to be loved and like to love someone. He feels happy when he sees his offspring. Islam is a religion that imparts education related to all walks of life. That is why in Islam a lot of importance is given to the institution of marriage. The basic purpose of marriage in Islam is to have offspring and have a well-balanced family system. Allah says in the Holy Quran: –

“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” (30:21)

Rights of spouses over each other: –

Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: –

“He who marries has completed half his religion, so let him fear God with regard to the remaining half.”

This hadith indicates the importance of marriage has in Islam. Islam lays great stress upon the rights of a spouse. They should treat each other with love, respect, and kindness. Must strive to create a peaceful environment at home. They must take care of each other’s needs and wishes. There is a great reward for being kind to your spouse. Those who treat their spouse with injustice and insincerity will face harsh punishment and wrath of Allah.

Rights of Parents: –

Islam strongly advocates us to be kind and dutiful towards our parents, especially when they age. They must be treated with the same love and care as they showered upon us when we were young and incapable. Allah says in the Holy Quran: –

“And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) “Ugh” nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.” (Quran, 17:23-24)

Rights of Children: –

Just as parents have rights over children, children also have rights over their parents. Parents are commanded to treat children with love, affection, and mercy. Not just that, they will be questioned on the Day of Judgment as to what they did to raise good Muslims. It is compulsory upon Muslim parents to inculcate Islamic values in their children, teach them the Holy Quran and everything about Islam. Islam lays great emphasis on treating daughters with utmost kindness and affection. When Islam came, the Arab pagans used to bury their new born daughters alive. Daughters were considered as a burden. Islam nullified this tradition and declared daughters as a “mercy” of Allah. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said gave glad tiding of Paradise to the parents of daughters.

Importance of extended family life: –

In Islam, Muslims are ordered to maintain ties with the relatives of the parents as well. Allah says in the Holy Quran: –

“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kins-folk…” (An-Nisa’: 36)

When a person’s parents are deceased. There is a great reward in Islam if he keeps ties with the relatives of his parents.

End: –

Family life is very important for the satisfaction and completion of any person. Nothing gives more happiness than having a family of your own. That is why it is very easy to explain why family life is important in Islam.