We continue the discussion on the paramount role of the Muslim woman in the spiritual revival of the Ummah by examining two crucial domains of responsibility: the external symbol of hijab (the veil) and the internal sanctity of the home. These spheres are intrinsically linked, demonstrating that the individual’s commitment to Allah (SWT) affects both private devotion and public influence.
III. The Symbolic Significance of Hijab (Shi‘ār al-Islām)
While the requirements of hijab are understood primarily as a duty imposed by Allah (Wajib) and a means of protecting society from temptation and immodesty, there exists a profound, practical purpose tied to the Muslim’s communal responsibility: hijab serves as a visible symbol (Shi‘ār) of Islam.
The enemies of Islam often seek to confine religious observance exclusively to the mosque. Conversely, Allah desires Islam to be a palpable reality throughout all spheres of life, including the public space. Hijab fulfills this objective by making the faith visible on the street. It allows the Muslim woman to be a walking, silent reminder (Da‘wah without words) of Allah (SWT) and His law to every person she encounters.
This profound act of wearing the veil is thus transformed from a simple commandment into an act of continuous public service.
- A Statement of Priority: By covering her beauty, the woman publicly declares that the command of Allah (SWT) holds greater value to her than her personal desires or aesthetic display.
- Continuous Reward: For this sacrifice, the woman is rewarded for every soul that sees her, is reminded of Allah, and turns to Him. The reward multiplies not only for the number of people who see her but also by the patience (Sabr) she demonstrates in maintaining the hijab in the face of difficulty. This makes hijab not a hardship, but an honor and a means of attaining blessings that may surpass the opportunities available to men in their daily lives.
IV. The Sanctity of the Home: A Prescription for Marital Tranquility
The home is the nursery of the next generation of the Ummah, yet many marriages suffer from indifference, loss of affection, and emotional aloofness. The restoration of love (Maḥabbah) and tranquility (Sakinah) between spouses is crucial for nurturing emotionally stable children and establishing a family upon enduring Islamic principles.
The decay of marital harmony is frequently rooted in external sins, ill-gotten income, and the failure of spouses to exert effort toward each other. Based on practical experience and prophetic guidance, a four-point prescription can restore and solidify the marital bond:
A. The Husband’s Prescription: Patience and Forgiveness
The core duty of the husband is to treat his wife with immense patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. A woman, by her nature, deeply honors a man who is strong enough to forgive her faults and who does not insult or shame her, particularly by insulting her parents. She perceives this forgiveness as strength, not weakness, which fosters her respect and obedience to him.
The highest model is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who, even in the face of provocation rooted in feminine jealousy, modeled supreme patience. When his wife, Aisha, broke a dish of food prepared by Hafsa in front of his Companions, the Prophet (PBUH) gathered the food, stating only, “Your mother is jealous,” thereby protecting her dignity by reminding the Companions of her elevated status as the Mother of the Believers. He completely overlooked his personal right, only requiring Aisha to replace Hafsa’s broken dish. This incident teaches that preserving respect is paramount; trivial quarrels, shouting, or insulting behavior destroy the foundational respect necessary for the home to survive. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family.”
B. The Wife’s Prescription: Companionship and Emotional Support
The wife must avoid becoming a "blamer"—a source of constant reproach who never forgets faults and thus causes her husband to hide his problems or seek support outside the home.
Instead, the wife must strive to be a supportive companion (Rafīq). A man navigating the worries and conflicts of the world needs someone at home to raise his spirits and alleviate his anxieties. When the wife provides this unwavering support and empathy, it creates an abiding companionship that is stronger and deeper than mere sentimental love.
The ultimate example is Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned home terrified after his first encounter with the Angel Gabriel, Khadijah did not panic or blame him. She calmed him, saying, “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You always deal kindly with your kin, you are generous to your guests, and you help everyone in times of crisis.” This immediate affirmation of his character transformed his terror into confidence, illustrating the profound power of a woman’s emotional and moral support at the moment of crisis.
C. The Shared Prescription I: A Unified Objective (Hadaf)
A marriage that lacks a shared objective beyond simply raising children and earning money risks becoming cold and lifeless. Setting great, common goals—such as promoting Islam in the neighborhood, dedicating resources to charity, or actively raising children to be spiritual conquerors—acts as a spiritual "antibiotic against the devil". When the home is focused on higher Islamic activities and shared ambitions, it creates warmth, purpose, and spiritual stability.
Spouses should agree upon great ambitions together and translate these inner thoughts into tangible projects, such as joint charitable endeavors, communal Iftar (breaking the fast) with neighbors, or dedicating time to learning the Qur'an. Furthermore, those seeking marriage must be warned against choosing a spouse based on selfish or superficial criteria; rather, the objective of the marriage itself—for both to serve Islam—must be established from the outset.
D. The Shared Prescription II: Joint Worship (‘Ibādah)
The fastest and most powerful way to restore and unify hearts (Tawḥīd al-Qulūb) is through shared worship. When a couple prays together, Allah (SWT) unifies their hearts, generating love where none existed.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Allah is merciful towards that man who gets up at night, awakens his wife, and prays two rak‘ahs together.” The supreme importance of this joint ‘Ibādah is highlighted by the fact that couples who perform this night prayer together are ranked among those who "remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues". This simple, consistent act of devotion demonstrates that the marital relationship is so precious to Allah that He grants immense reward and love to those who cooperate in His worship.
Conclusion
The Muslim woman is bestowed with an extraordinary responsibility for Islam. Her outward observance of hijab serves as a powerful, silent form of Da‘wah, acting as a constant reminder of Allah's presence in the public sphere. Simultaneously, her role as the guardian of the home, exemplified by Khadijah’s wisdom and the sacrifices of great women like the Pharaoh's hairdresser,, is the key to raising the next generation of righteous leaders. By embracing this dual responsibility—maintaining hope, fulfilling her marital role with forgiveness and companionship, and actively pursuing a collective objective for Islam—she can catalyze the spiritual revival of the entire nation.
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