Today an average person spends more dedicated time with technological devices than with people. We do not even realize nowadays how for hours we are occupied with televisions, laptops, smartphones, and game consoles that we hardly spend time with our families. It’s time we woke up to reality: family members need to communicate more with each other.
Weekdays are a whirl of chores, activities, classes, errands, and deadlines; the morning’s whiz-by and the evenings provide a fleeting respite from the day’s drudgery. The family hopes for a “slower” weekend, one that’ll allow them to spend more time together. But with the presence of 24-hour Internet, weekend TV programs, and the washer waiting to be loaded with a pile of laundry, the weekend is gone before anyone can even say ‘Subhan Allah.’
However, there are creative ways of cashing in on must-do activities that can make family members enjoy each other’s company more.
Everyday Islamic gathering
“And warn your nearest family members.” (Qur’an, 26:214)
There’s nothing like Allah’s speech, the Qur’an, to bond its adherents together by true love, one that is for the sake of Allah. An hour before dinner or after Fajr, the family can sit around the dining table to read the Qur’an aloud to each other. This could be followed by a reading from Hadith books like Riyad-us-Saaliheen or stories from the Seerah.
Going to mosque
The mosque should be like a second home to a Muslim family. Everyone should try to attend the weekly Jumuah congregation together. If that’s not possible, try to go to mosques for lectures, as they are usually available to both men and women. Going with the family will give a sense of togetherness, Insha, Allah boosts everyone’s faith at the same time and keep up with the obligation to learn Islam.