How are we taking care of our wives and children? Can they survive without the income we've been providing or will they have to be the lower hand that receives from the government and or others? Allah says in Surah an-Nisa: 34, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because of what Allah has preferred one with over the other and because of what they spend to support them from their wealth.”
A man has the responsibility of taking care of his wife, not only buying groceries, an abaya, and housing her, but protecting her & her honor, assisting her in the proper Islamic raising of the children, and attending to her religious and worldly needs.
Too often have I seen and heard brothers say they are taking care of their responsibility because they bought 2 or 3 over-garments and Al-Usul Ath-Thalatha. I'm not saying these things aren't good...I'm saying that it's not enough!
Today we live in a world with so many distractions.Technology can be our enemy or it can be our friend. We must be wise and disciplined enough to choose the later. The internet will never replace a qualified teacher, but it is a useful place until a teacher can be found. There are numerous free sites where one can learn to read and write Arabic. There are lectures and classes available so a basic understanding can be acquired.
For those that are lacking in a particular area, let's set aside 15-30 minutes a day to learn some beneficial knowledge with our families. I'm sure all of us have at least that short amount of time to invest for the Day of Judgement. A good friend of mine named Khalid Green, does quick YouTube readings. These readings will never replace a class or a teacher, but are a useful starting point for a busy person.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/greenkhalid
Brothers, now let's take a quick look at the earthly maintenance. Do you own a house or property? When you die, where will your wife/wives and children stay? Don't put your faith in the government or community to take on this responsibility. We must think about our families financial future. Even if you're working a low paying job, you need to be saving, and looking for a better situation. I knew a brother who used to fast every other day so he could save money to buy a house...and yes, he did get the house.
Just to be clear, I'm not suggesting mortgages with interest. I'm suggesting sheriff sales, repossessed houses, and any other halal alternative. I've known people who've purchased land and lived in an apartment, while they built their house on the weekends. I've also know people who lived in RVs while they saved money for bigger projects. The point is that it can be done.
Lastly, please make sure the intention is purely for the sake of Allah. Here are some examples, I want to earn more money to buy a house to protect and maintain my family. I want to learn Arabic to better understand my religion. Whatever it may be, make sure you're doing it to please Allah first and foremost.
If anyone has questions as to how to make those changes, feel free to ask...together we can figure out something.
As Allah say, "Help you one another in Al Birr and At Taqwa (virtue, righteousness, and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Very Allah is severe in punishment. (Surah al-Ma'idah: 2).
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