5: Respectful Relationships
Happy Homes & Beyond (Part 2)
- Offspring
Parents are the avenues through which children enter this world. In the words of poet, Khalil Gibran:
"They come through you, but belong not to you"
Parents are the first line of comfort and the last line of defense. Love, cherish, empower and nurture your children as best you can. We have the responsibility of nurturing and caring for them, to prepare them for life, to inculcate in them good character as the best thing a parent can provide for the benefit of a child is moral training as well as to be just and fair to them. - Brothers and Sisters
A person does not truly believe unless he desires for his brother what he desires for himself. Futhermore, the Prophet said:
"whosoever has sisters or daughters and takes good care of them all the time they are with him, I will be with him in Paradise like this,"
and he pointed his index and middle fingers together. - Relatives
Abu Dharr al-Ghaffari narrates "My friend(the Prophet) advised me to maintain good family relationships even if they don't."
In fact, maintaining relationship just because others keep in contact is not Silat-ur-rahm rather
one who maintains relationship despite discontent. - House Helpers
Those who serve us in our homes should be treated with respect. The Prophet said those who serve you are your fellow human beings who are under your authority, so feed them what you eat and clothe them with what you wear. Do not impose on them a task they can not do, and if you give them a difficult task then assist them". - Friends & Neighbors
One chooses one's friends, but often live amongst people whom we do not necessarily choose as neighbors. Both can have a tremendous influence on a person just as a person can impact upon them. The Prophet (pbuh) said: The best of friends in the estimation of Allah is the one best to his friend. Also, Whosoever believes in Allah and the Day of Accountability, should be good to the neighbor. - Guests
Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor the guest - Elderly & Youth
The elderly are our respected ones who have experienced the journey of life, they are the transmitters of our legacy. The youth are our most precious jewels, our investment for the future, the inheritors of our legacy. A bridge between the two is most essential for the perpetuation of our heritage. The Prophet said: That person is not of us who has no compassion on the young nor respect for the elders
Prophet Muhammad advised:
If these three characteristics are found in a person, Allah will grant such a person special protection and entry into Paradise: