Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
What is the role of women in moral and spiritual growth, and how can they maintain spirituality despite modern societal challenges?
Answer
Thank you for your question. Growing spiritually is a challenge for anyone in this modern society and more so for women who have a multitude of expectations thrown at them.
Doing Good
Allah (Most High) has told us in the Quran, “Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds.” [Quran, 16:97]
Both men and women are held accountable for their deeds and have equal access to spiritual growth and eternal salvation.
Worship
Women (and men) must learn their personally obligatory knowledge and practice it, upholding the role of God’s caliphs on this Earth. They must also enjoin good and forbid evil, as Islam is not a religion of silently sitting idly by watching others sin openly. Seeking Islamic knowledge is a precursor to practicing it, which is a path to attaining spiritual heights.
Family Life
Women have an unmatched role in the spiritual upbringing of children and in upholding Islam in their households. They are the first teachers of their children. Mothers must model Islamic practice and do their best to instill a love of Allah, His Messenger, and this religion in their hearts. This message is easier passed on to children when they see their parents in a harmonious marriage. Their great status is seen in these prophetic words.
It was narrated from Mu‘awiya Ibn Jahima al-Sulami, that Jahima came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad), and I have come to ask your advice.” He said: “Do you have a mother?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.” [Nasa’i]
Community
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to people.” [Musnad of Shihab]
Women should play an active role in the community, serving others, volunteering with charities, helping at their local mosques, and being active with Muslim women, children, and converts in the community who are disadvantaged financially, spiritually, or otherwise. Women across Muslim history have been scholars, teachers, and leaders who have greatly impacted their communities.
Modern Challenges
Here are some tips for dealing with today’s challenges:
- Maintain the obligatory prayers first and foremost
- Regularly read and reflect on the Quran.
- Making dua and dhikr for a source of tranquillity amid the chaos.
- Manage your time well, and Allah will expand it through blessings
- Prioritize family obligations before supererogatory works
- Continuously seek knowledge and increase faith through good deeds.
- Join community efforts to help and serve other Muslims; be a mentor to youth
- Limit screen time and resist materialism to clear your mind for spiritual works
- Turn to Allah (Most High) in daily gratitude and repentance.
Dua
Please recite this prophetic dua in the mornings:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْماً نَافِعاً، وَرِزْقاً طَيِّباً، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted. [Ibn Maja]
Please see the best advice here:
- The Importance of Study in One’s Spiritual Development – Imam Ghazali
- How Can I Build a Strong Spiritual Foundation for My Marriage?
- Rooted Beings – Achieving Enlightenment Through Knowledge
- Understanding The Spiritual Realities of Fiqh and Aqida
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
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