The question
I have an important consultation: how do I contribute with my husband to supporting Islam?
Our answer
Truly, I salute you for this beautiful question, which springs from responsibility and a sincere feeling — I see good in it. The first thing I advise: gather together first in a righteous deed, kept secret between you, known to no one but you after Allah. Gather upon a righteous deed even if it be an optional prayer or recitation of the Qur'an or an ongoing charity like sponsoring an orphan or other — any deed in which Allah will bless you, for it is among what brings success and being put to use. It is the deposit of sincerity in supporting Islam.
Second, that the pillars of the marital relationship and the vessel of the family be built upon the Shari'ah of Allah, and established according to what Allah commands — being keen on uprightness as Allah commanded and following the Sunnah of His Prophet ﷺ. After that, we sense Islam's needs and the frontiers we are skilled at. Look at your skills and your husband's, and what frontier you can close. Today jihad is a personal obligation upon every Muslim man and woman, and closing the frontiers is a priority for every Muslim family. The first frontier is presenting the role model of a Muslim family that loves Allah and fears Him and hopes in Him, then raising a generation that represents Islam in the best representation, most loving of Allah, the Exalted. After that we look for the available fields of work and the projects in motion. For example, do we want to work on tarbiyah projects, supporting or founding them? Or do we want to spread Islam in da'wah positions and da'wah teams to Allah? Do we want to work on media support and media jihad, or on spending, or in the field? Do we want to join existing work projects or to found our own project that we water with our aspiration and sincerity?
The matter really depends on your abilities, your passion, and the means available to you. We can present ideas to you in this regard. Allah will open the way for you according to the sincerity of your striving. Remember the noble verse: "And those who strive in Us — We will surely guide them to Our paths. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." This verse is the key to being used. It is a grace from Allah, the Exalted. If Allah uses a servant, he has found a pleasure that has no equal and a grace that is envied.
Repeat in every du'a: O Allah, use us and do not replace us. Allah, the Most Majestic, looks at both your hearts and your deeds, and bestows His grace upon whom He wills.
I ask Him to open the way for you both, use you, accept from you, and raise your station in pleasure and success.
Have a parenting question of your own? Contact us, or follow our Telegram channel: @estesharatjeel