Muslim Family Values

Importance of Islam for the Family Unit & the Ummah

 

Today we live in a society where everything seems upside down. The family unit – a family unit approved by Allah – is in danger. The Muslim family, a family based on Islamic principles as it was in the past, used to be a solid pillar in society. Today, it finds itself weakened by modern influences that are not always in harmony with divine guidance. When the influence of Shaytan’s evil spreads in society, and when parents who wish to guide their children on the straight path try to set rules to preserve them within the pure environment of Islam, yet the youth begin to rebel and refuse the guidance of Allah that their parents lovingly try to give them, then the atmosphere at home becomes heavy.

Many times, even Muslim adults themselves drift away from important precepts of Islam, while the external world with its attractions tries to divert people’s way of thinking. As a result, disagreements between husband and wife increase, and the direct victims remain the children who grow up in confusion and without clear direction. Consequently, conflicts between parents and children also increase. Whether it is domestic violence or divorce – which society has normalised as something common – leading to the disintegration of the family home, all of this shows that there is a deep crisis that society in general is facing. What is even more tragic is that Muslims too have allowed themselves to be trapped by these influences. So, we Muslims of today must ask: What should we do to restore the sacred value and stability of the family?

 

In Islam, the family holds a central place. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And among His signs is that He created for you, from yourselves, spouses, so that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you love and mercy.” (Ar-Rum 30: 22). This verse shows that marriage (Nikah) is not merely a social contract, but a divine institution that brings Sakina (inner peace), Mawaddah (love), and Rahmah (mercy). Marriage, especially Islamic Nikah, is a blessed means approved by Allah to preserve humanity, transmit faith, and form a balanced society. Without marriage, without family, society falls into disorder.

 

The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you will be questioned about his flock.” (Bukhari). A husband is responsible for his wife and children; a wife is responsible for her home and the upbringing of her children. Children are responsible for obeying and respecting Allah, the teachings of Islam, and their parents. Each member has a precise role. When each fulfils his duty, the family remains strong; when there is neglect, disorder enters. That is why the education of children and family balance are decisive factors. A well-managed family forms a well-managed society; a disordered family brings corruption to society.

 

In the modern context, unfortunately, young people are exposed to influences that contradict Islam. Homosexuality, marriage between two men or two women, adoption by couples who do not respect divine law, sperm donation by unknown men, surrogate mothers – all these practices contradict the nature that Allah created for humanity. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And We created you in pairs, male and female.” (An-Naba 78: 9). Marriage is only between man and woman; it is through this union that the human race continues. When society normalises practices forbidden by Allah, it weakens the family and destroys the very foundation of civilisation.

 

Our Master, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), warned us: “If someone comes to you, and you are satisfied with his religion and his character, then marry him; otherwise, there will be fitna (temptation, disorder) and corruption on the earth.” (Tirmidhi). This shows that the choice of a partner must be based on piety and morality, not (only) appearance or wealth. Unfortunately, in today’s modern world, young people make choices through social networks, with prolonged relationships, often falling into Haram before Nikah. When the very foundation of marriage is tainted by disobedience to Allah, how can we expect a pious family? Allah warns us: “A good land produces good fruits by the permission of its Lord; but a bad land produces only miserable crops.” (Al-A’raf 7: 59). A marriage based on Halal brings blessing; a marriage based on Haram brings misfortune.

 

Marriage is not just a ceremony; it is a spiritual commitment. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) taught a Duah before couples engage in intimacy: “O Allah! Keep us away from Shaytan and keep Shaytan away from what You grant us as offspring.” (Bukhari). This shows that even in intimate moments, a Muslim must remain conscious of his responsibility towards Allah and his future generation. A child born under divine blessing receives protection; a child born in disobedience faces hardship.

 

In daily life, husband and wife must sit together, discuss, and clarify their intentions. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Actions are judged only by intentions.” (Bukhari). If the intention is sincerity, fidelity, and piety, then the family acquires stability. A husband must be faithful to his wife; a wife must be faithful to her husband. When each respects his duty, the home remains peaceful. But if each seeks only his rights without fulfilling his duties, disorder enters. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Fulfil your duties, and leave your rights to Allah.” (Muslim). This shows that priority is duty, not rights.

 

The family is like an enterprise. Each member must be valued according to age and capacity. A child must be encouraged to take responsibility from a young age. When he grows up with a sense of responsibility, he becomes a balanced adult. Husband and wife must manage their home with wisdom, more than a business owner manages his business. When each is conscious of his role, the family functions well; when roles are neglected, the family collapses. 

Today, divorce has become too frequent. Nikah today, Talaq tomorrow! Divorce must not be seen as an easy solution; it is a last resort. Allah says in the Qur’an: “If you fear a breach, then appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family; if they both desire reconciliation, Allah will bring harmony (reconciliation) between them.” (An-Nisa 4: 36). This shows that Islam encourages reconciliation before separation. Divorce is not a fashion, where one marries when one wishes, and divorces when one wishes! It becomes necessary only when no other solution remains. 

So, what must be done to save the Muslim family in this world turned upside down, a world that claims to be modern and educated? Firstly, Islamic education must be strengthened at home. Children must grow up with Qur’an and Sunnah as their reference. Secondly, Haram influences must be banned from the home – harmful television programmes, excessive time in front of screens, social networks, and bad company must be avoided. Thirdly, husband and wife must cultivate communication, patience, and mercy. Fourthly, society must value Halal marriage and condemn practices that contradict divine law. Fifthly, every Muslim must be conscious that his responsibility towards his family is a responsibility towards the Ummah.

 

Verily, the Muslim family is a fortress. If this fortress is strong, society remains strong; if it is weakened, society collapses. Allah says: “O you who have believed! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” (At-Tahrim 66: 7). This verse shows that the primary responsibility is to save the family unit from disobedience. A pious family is true guidance and light for society; a disordered family where there is disobedience to Allah is darkness.

 

Therefore, Muslims must give the family its importance according to Islamic commandments, commandments that come directly from Allah. The Muslim family must be given its sacred value. A Halal marriage, Islamic education, fidelity, mercy, and true responsibility – all these are the keys to saving the family. In this modern world, young people must be guided towards Nikah, not towards Haram. All actions that go against Allah’s teachings destroy the family; they threaten the existence of humanity, a humanity based on Islamic purity and obedience to Allah. Only marriage between man and woman, based on Qur’an and Sunnah, guarantees the continuity of the human race and the stability of society. To save the family is to save society; to save society is to save the Ummah.

 

May Allah have mercy on Muslims throughout the world, and protect our children from falling into the traps of Shaytan. May Allah elevate Islam – the true Islam (Sahih al-Islam) – in Islamic dignity, and may our children of the Ummah follow Islam as they should, and not lose their way. May Allah guide humanity towards the True Islam, an Islam that is truly Islam, enlightened and not ignorant. Insha-Allah, Ameen. 

---Friday Sermon of 24 July 2026~09 Safar 1448 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al-Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius.