By spending time with family, one is performing a good deed and following the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammed, worshippers will hear on Friday.
“It is our duty to show gratitude to our Lord for granting us such favour by giving much care to our family members,” says the sermon.
“This is because our family is a trust in our hands and we are accountable before Allah, the Almighty, for its well-being.”
One way to have a nurturing happy family is by gathering them often, such as by eating meals together.
“Eating meals jointly with family at home has a great positive impact on the family members as it brings about Allah’s blessing. Thus, as often as possible all the family members are urged to eat together around the dining table.”
The sermon cites an incident when some companions of Prophet Mohammed went to the Prophet and said: “O Messenger of Allah! We eat but we are not satisfied.”
He said: “Perhaps you eat separately.”
They replied: “Yes.”
Thereupon, he said: “If you gather together at your food and mention Allah’s name, it will be blessed for you.”
Fathers should also designate a special time to sit with their wives and children, to learn about their affairs and keep up with their progress, and the Prophet was the best example of such.
As another companion, Ibn Abbas, reported: “I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maimoona. The Messenger of Allah talked with his wife for a while and then went to bed.
“He also sat with his daughter Fatima frequently. It was narrated that when she came to visit him he got up to (welcome) her, took her by the hand, kissed her and made her sit where he was sitting...”
Finally, the sermon recommends family get togethers so young children could learn to engage in constructive discussions and express their opinions in public.
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