...and make your homes as places of worship...

Today the Ummah finds itself in a similar position to that of the Bani Israeel under the tyrannical rule of Firaun. Subjugated, weak and helpless, they lead a miserable existence in the world. The Quran draws a graphical account of the suffering of the Bani Israeel – “And (remember) when We delivered you from Firaun's people, who were afflicting you with a horrible torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and therein was a mighty trial from your Lord.” 2; 49

Bani Isreal was too weak to rise up against the oppression of Firaun. They were not even able to escape or run away from Firaun’s land. When the misery and suffering of Bani Isreal went beyond bounds, Allah Ta’ala inspired Moosa (AS) and Haroon (AS) with a plan of action to liberate Bani Israel from their suffering.

PLAN OF ACTION – SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT

The plan of action was simple and easy, yet very effective. It was a plan for spiritual upliftment. It was through this plan of action that Bani Isreal received the spiritual strength and conviction to take up the challenges facing them. The plan was to focus on the home and make the environment of the home one of Ibadah and righteousness.

“And We inspired Moosa and his brother (saying): "Take dwellings for your people in Egypt, and make your homes as places for your worship, and perform Salaah, and give glad tidings to the believers." 10; 87

The focus of the Bani Isreal was changed from lamenting their lot and cursing their oppressors to engaging in acts of worship and creating an environment of righteousness within the home. This intensive spiritual program within the home inspired their hearts with faith and conviction on Allah Ta’ala and removed from their hearts the fear of Firaun. From this point onwards, they progressed spiritually to the point when the entire nation witnessed the miraculous salvation of Bani Isreal with the parting of the Red Sea, and which became the cause of the destruction of Firaun and his armies.

SOLUTION FOR THIS UMMAH

A similar plan of action is required for this Ummah. In this difficult hour, when the Muslim Ummah is weak and bleeding from multiple wounds inflicted on its limbs and members, it is time to go back home and recover our spiritual health, well-being and strength once more.

It is time for the entire Ummah to focus on the home - in the words of the Qur’an “Make you homes as places for worship, and perform Salaah …”. When this Ummah succeeds in this spiritual program within the home, and gains sufficient spiritual power, then it is time for glad tiding of success. In the word of al-Qur’an: “And give glad tidings to the believers." 10; 87