Q&A › Worship in the home
🕌 Q&A · 26 questions
Worship in the home
Prayer, fasting, menstruation, ritual bath (ghusl), hajj. Arranged by the most frequently asked questions.
🧭 Preparation & choosing a spouse💍 Khitbah & engagement📜 The marriage contract (akad nikah)🏡 Rights & responsibilities🕌 Worship in the home🤍 Character & conduct between spouses🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah)💰 Family finances⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice🏛️ Polygyny: the law🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife🕊️ Conflict & resolution🚪 Divorce, ʿiddah & rujuk🌍 Children, inheritance & global🧭 Regional & the Middle East
1What may and may not be done with one's wife during menstruation?
Intercourse during menstruation is forbidden, but affection without intercourse is permitted within limits.
Allah commands keeping away from wives during menstruation until they are pure. The Prophet ﷺ said: do everything except intercourse. The husband may sleep together, embrace, eat together and be affectionate. A menstruating wife is not impure and should not be shunned. Whoever slips must repent; some scholars recommend giving charity. See Marital etiquette.
Allah commands keeping away from wives during menstruation until they are pure. The Prophet ﷺ said: do everything except intercourse. The husband may sleep together, embrace, eat together and be affectionate. A menstruating wife is not impure and should not be shunned. Whoever slips must repent; some scholars recommend giving charity. See Marital etiquette.
Difference between schools. Shafi'i, Hanafi and Maliki: skin contact without a barrier between the navel and the knees is forbidden. Hanbali: only intercourse is forbidden; other contact is permitted.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:222Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Haid
2Menstrual bleeding has stopped but the obligatory bath has not been taken — may we be intimate?
According to the Shafi'i school, no; the wife must first take the obligatory bath after menstrual bleeding stops.
Allah says not to approach wives until they are pure, and when they have purified themselves, then approach them. The majority of scholars understand 'purified themselves' here as the obligatory bath, not merely the bleeding stopping. If there is no water or there is an excuse from using water, tayammum replaces the bath. Hastening the obligatory bath after becoming pure is better for worship and for the marriage. See Marital etiquette.
Allah says not to approach wives until they are pure, and when they have purified themselves, then approach them. The majority of scholars understand 'purified themselves' here as the obligatory bath, not merely the bleeding stopping. If there is no water or there is an excuse from using water, tayammum replaces the bath. Hastening the obligatory bath after becoming pure is better for worship and for the marriage. See Marital etiquette.
Difference between schools. The Shafi'is, Malikis and Hanbalis require the bath. The Hanafis permit it if the bleeding stops after the maximum period of ten days; if earlier, a bath is needed or one prayer time must pass.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:222
3What is the ruling on intimacy with one's wife during the day in Ramadan?
It is forbidden and breaks the fast; the one who does it must make up the fast, repent and pay a heavy expiation (kaffarah).
Marital intimacy is permitted only on the nights of Ramadan. A man who deliberately has intercourse during the day in Ramadan incurs expiation: freeing a slave; if unable, fasting two consecutive months; if unable, feeding 60 poor people. Foreplay that causes ejaculation also breaks the fast but without expiation according to the Shafi'is. A wife who was forced is not sinful. See Marital etiquette.
Marital intimacy is permitted only on the nights of Ramadan. A man who deliberately has intercourse during the day in Ramadan incurs expiation: freeing a slave; if unable, fasting two consecutive months; if unable, feeding 60 poor people. Foreplay that causes ejaculation also breaks the fast but without expiation according to the Shafi'is. A wife who was forced is not sinful. See Marital etiquette.
Difference between schools. Shafi'i: the expiation (kaffarah) is on the husband only. Hanafi and Maliki: a willing wife must also pay expiation. Hanbali: there are two narrations on expiation for a willing wife.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:187Sahih al-Bukhari 1936Sahih Muslim, Kitab as-Siyam
4May one sleep in a state of janabah after intimacy?
Yes, but it is sunnah to perform wudu' first and to take the obligatory bath before the prayer time begins.
The Prophet ﷺ slept in a state of janabah after performing wudu' like the wudu' for prayer, as narrated in authentic hadith. The obligatory bath is required after intercourse even without ejaculation. What matters is not delaying the bath until a prayer time is missed. If one wishes to be intimate again, it is sunnah to perform wudu' in between. See Etiquette between husband and wife.
The Prophet ﷺ slept in a state of janabah after performing wudu' like the wudu' for prayer, as narrated in authentic hadith. The obligatory bath is required after intercourse even without ejaculation. What matters is not delaying the bath until a prayer time is missed. If one wishes to be intimate again, it is sunnah to perform wudu' in between. See Etiquette between husband and wife.
Sahih al-Bukhari 291Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-HaidSahih Muslim, Kitab al-HaidSahih al-Bukhari 286; narrated by Muslim (sleeping in a state of janabah after wudu')
5Does a wife need her husband's permission for voluntary fasts?
Yes, if the husband is at home, the wife needs his permission for voluntary fasting, but not for the obligatory Ramadan fast.
The Prophet ﷺ said that it is not lawful for a woman to fast while her husband is present except with his permission. This is because a voluntary fast may get in the way of the husband's rights during the day. If the husband is travelling or away, permission is not needed. For making up missed Ramadan fasts, the wife may fast, but if there is still plenty of time, it is good to discuss a suitable time. See Rights of husband & wife.
The Prophet ﷺ said that it is not lawful for a woman to fast while her husband is present except with his permission. This is because a voluntary fast may get in the way of the husband's rights during the day. If the husband is travelling or away, permission is not needed. For making up missed Ramadan fasts, the wife may fast, but if there is still plenty of time, it is good to discuss a suitable time. See Rights of husband & wife.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5195Sahih Muslim, Kitab az-Zakah
6A husband forbids his wife to wear the headscarf or tells her to abandon prayer — must she obey?
No need to obey; there is no obedience to any created being in disobedience to Allah.
A wife obeys her husband only in what is right (ma'ruf). Covering the ʿawrah in front of non-mahram men and performing the prayer are individual obligations that no one's instruction can cancel. The wife should refuse in a kind but firm way. A husband who forces his wife into sin has betrayed the trust of his leadership. If the pressure continues, seek counselling at the religious affairs office. See Rights of husband & wife.
A wife obeys her husband only in what is right (ma'ruf). Covering the ʿawrah in front of non-mahram men and performing the prayer are individual obligations that no one's instruction can cancel. The wife should refuse in a kind but firm way. A husband who forces his wife into sin has betrayed the trust of his leadership. If the pressure continues, seek counselling at the religious affairs office. See Rights of husband & wife.
Sahih al-Bukhari 7257Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-ImarahSurah an-Nur 24:31Surah Luqman 31:15
7May a wife wash her husband's body, and a husband wash his wife's body?
In the Shafi'i school, both are permitted. Asma' bint Umais washed the body of her husband Abu Bakar, and Ali bin Abi Talib washed the body of Fatimah. A wife, including any wife in polygyny, may wash her husband even while she is in her ʿiddah, and a husband may wash his wife. However, priority in washing a man's body goes to the closest male relatives, and a woman's body to the closest female relatives, if the wife or husband does not wish to or cannot. Cover the deceased's ʿawrah and protect their dignity. A wife who has been divorced by an irrevocable talaq (ba'in) may no longer wash her former husband.
Difference between schools. The Hanafi school does not permit a husband to wash his wife's body because the marriage bond ends with death, but permits a wife to wash her husband during the ʿiddah.
Narrated by Malik in al-Muwatta'
8May one marry while in ihram for hajj or umrah?
No. A marriage contract while one of the parties (husband, wife or wali) is in ihram is invalid according to the Shafi'i school.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "A person in ihram may not marry, may not give in marriage and may not propose." The akad must be postponed until tahallul is completed. If the wali is in ihram, the right of guardianship does not pass to a more distant wali; instead a wali hakim may conduct the marriage or the akad is postponed. See Mahram.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "A person in ihram may not marry, may not give in marriage and may not propose." The akad must be postponed until tahallul is completed. If the wali is in ihram, the right of guardianship does not pass to a more distant wali; instead a wali hakim may conduct the marriage or the akad is postponed. See Mahram.
Difference between schools. The Hanafi school holds that a contract made in ihram is valid, though not encouraged.
Sahih Muslim, Kitab an-Nikah
9How do I pray istikharah to choose a spouse?
The istikharah prayer is a two-rak'ah sunnah prayer (not obligatory) followed by the istikharah supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ, to ask Allah for the best choice.
The method: take wudu', pray two rak'ahs with the intention of istikharah, then recite the supplication narrated by Jabir r.a. — the Prophet ﷺ taught it as he taught a surah of the Qur'an. On reaching the words "hadha al-amr", mention your need, for example marriage to so-and-so. It may be done at any time other than the times when prayer is prohibited, and may be repeated. Istikharah is best combined with istisyarah (consultation) — seeking the views of parents and trusted people — before placing one's trust in Allah (Ali 'Imran 3:159).
The method: take wudu', pray two rak'ahs with the intention of istikharah, then recite the supplication narrated by Jabir r.a. — the Prophet ﷺ taught it as he taught a surah of the Qur'an. On reaching the words "hadha al-amr", mention your need, for example marriage to so-and-so. It may be done at any time other than the times when prayer is prohibited, and may be repeated. Istikharah is best combined with istisyarah (consultation) — seeking the views of parents and trusted people — before placing one's trust in Allah (Ali 'Imran 3:159).
Sahih al-Bukhari 1166Surah Ali 'Imran 3:159
10After menstruation, must a wife make up the prayers and fasts she missed?
During menstruation a woman leaves off prayer; when the bleeding stops she bathes and resumes praying.
The Prophet ﷺ said to a woman who came to him with her complaint: when menstruation comes, leave the prayer; when it stops, bathe and pray. For missed Ramadan fasts, the basis for making them up is al-Baqarah 2:185, which says the days missed are to be made up on other days. In the practice taught in Malaysia, prayers missed because of menstruation are not made up, whereas missed Ramadan fasts must be made up. We have not found a specific narration stating that distinction in the hadith collections available to us, so for certainty consult your state mufti (to be verified). See Fiqh of menstruation.
The Prophet ﷺ said to a woman who came to him with her complaint: when menstruation comes, leave the prayer; when it stops, bathe and pray. For missed Ramadan fasts, the basis for making them up is al-Baqarah 2:185, which says the days missed are to be made up on other days. In the practice taught in Malaysia, prayers missed because of menstruation are not made up, whereas missed Ramadan fasts must be made up. We have not found a specific narration stating that distinction in the hadith collections available to us, so for certainty consult your state mufti (to be verified). See Fiqh of menstruation.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:185Sunan Abu Dawud 285 (sahih)Sunan Ibn Majah 626 (sahih)
11May a husband lead his wife and children in congregational prayer at home?
Yes, and it is one of the simplest ways to bring a home to life with worship.
The command to establish prayer within the family is stated in Taha 20:132 — enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in it — and Maryam 19:55 praises the Prophet Ismail for enjoining prayer and zakat upon his family. The wife stands behind her husband, and the children follow. If the husband is absent, the wife may lead her daughters and young children; whether a wife may lead sons who have reached puberty is a matter of differing views, so ask your religious affairs office (to be verified). See Du'a & prayer.
The command to establish prayer within the family is stated in Taha 20:132 — enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in it — and Maryam 19:55 praises the Prophet Ismail for enjoining prayer and zakat upon his family. The wife stands behind her husband, and the children follow. If the husband is absent, the wife may lead her daughters and young children; whether a wife may lead sons who have reached puberty is a matter of differing views, so ask your religious affairs office (to be verified). See Du'a & prayer.
Surah Taha 20:132Surah Maryam 19:55
12Must a wife ask her husband's permission to go to the mosque to pray?
The husband should not prevent her.
Al-Bukhari records the Prophet ﷺ as saying: "Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah." The wife of Umar al-Khattab herself went out to pray Fajr and ʿIsha in congregation at the mosque, and this hadith was the argument she relied on. In another narration Aishah r.a. stated that had the Prophet ﷺ known what some women would do after his time, he would have prevented them — so manners, dress and safety on the way must still be observed. Letting the husband know is a matter of household courtesy; preventing her without a reason recognised by the Shariah is not a right given to him.
Al-Bukhari records the Prophet ﷺ as saying: "Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah." The wife of Umar al-Khattab herself went out to pray Fajr and ʿIsha in congregation at the mosque, and this hadith was the argument she relied on. In another narration Aishah r.a. stated that had the Prophet ﷺ known what some women would do after his time, he would have prevented them — so manners, dress and safety on the way must still be observed. Letting the husband know is a matter of household courtesy; preventing her without a reason recognised by the Shariah is not a right given to him.
Sahih al-Bukhari 900Sahih al-Bukhari 869
13May a wife perform hajj or umrah without her husband or a mahram?
The Prophet ﷺ said that a woman may not travel except with a mahram, and when a man told him he was setting out on a military expedition while his wife intended to perform hajj, he told him to go on hajj with his wife.
From that same narration, the jurists differ over whether the “mahram” is a condition for the validity of the hajj or a condition of safety that may be met by a trustworthy group. We do not have works of fiqh here on which to attribute either position to any particular school, so both readings are given without naming a madhhab. In practice, the mahram requirement for women pilgrims is decided by the hajj authorities, so consult Lembaga Tabung Haji or your agency (to be verified).
From that same narration, the jurists differ over whether the “mahram” is a condition for the validity of the hajj or a condition of safety that may be met by a trustworthy group. We do not have works of fiqh here on which to attribute either position to any particular school, so both readings are given without naming a madhhab. In practice, the mahram requirement for women pilgrims is decided by the hajj authorities, so consult Lembaga Tabung Haji or your agency (to be verified).
Difference among the schools. One view makes a mahram a condition for permission to travel for hajj, and another view allows a woman to perform hajj in a safe group without a mahram. We do not name a school for either position because the only sources we hold are the Qur'an and the hadith collections, not works of fiqh.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1862
14Should a husband or wife wake their spouse for the night prayer?
Yes, and it is one of the practices mentioned with mercy in the hadith.
The Prophet ﷺ said: may Allah have mercy on a man who rises at night, prays and wakes his wife; if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face — and may Allah have mercy on a woman who rises at night, prays and wakes her husband; if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face. In another narration, when a man wakes his wife and they both pray two rak'ahs, both are recorded among those who remember Allah. Note the tone: the sprinkle of water is affectionate play, not compulsion. See Everyday adab.
The Prophet ﷺ said: may Allah have mercy on a man who rises at night, prays and wakes his wife; if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face — and may Allah have mercy on a woman who rises at night, prays and wakes her husband; if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face. In another narration, when a man wakes his wife and they both pray two rak'ahs, both are recorded among those who remember Allah. Note the tone: the sprinkle of water is affectionate play, not compulsion. See Everyday adab.
Sunan Abu Dawud 1308 (sahih)Sunan Abu Dawud 1450 (sahih)Sunan Abu Dawud 1309 (sahih)
15What is recommended after intimacy if one has not yet taken the ritual bath (ghusl) and wishes to sleep?
Perform wuḍūʾ first.
Umar al-Khattab asked the Prophet ﷺ whether one may sleep in a state of janabah; he answered: yes, if he performs wuḍūʾ. Aishah r.a. stated that when the Prophet ﷺ wished to sleep in a state of janabah, he washed his private parts and performed wuḍūʾ as for prayer. The ritual bath is still required before prayer; that wuḍūʾ is an etiquette of sleep, not a substitute for the bath. See Intimate adab.
Umar al-Khattab asked the Prophet ﷺ whether one may sleep in a state of janabah; he answered: yes, if he performs wuḍūʾ. Aishah r.a. stated that when the Prophet ﷺ wished to sleep in a state of janabah, he washed his private parts and performed wuḍūʾ as for prayer. The ritual bath is still required before prayer; that wuḍūʾ is an etiquette of sleep, not a substitute for the bath. See Intimate adab.
Sahih al-Bukhari 287Sahih al-Bukhari 288
16May a wife who is menstruating enter the mosque or touch the Qur'an?
This is one of the questions on which the jurists differ, and we do not settle it here.
What is certain from the narrations: Aishah r.a., while menstruating, combed and oiled the Prophet's ﷺ hair while he was in iʿtikāf in the mosque — he would lean his head out towards her while she was in her room. That narration shows menstruation is not an impurity that cuts off contact, but it does not settle the question of entering the mosque or holding the muṣḥaf. One view forbids both, another allows passing through the mosque without sitting, and another allows reading or touching through a barrier or on a phone. We do not name a school for any of these views because we do not hold works of fiqh here. Consult your state mufti (to be verified).
What is certain from the narrations: Aishah r.a., while menstruating, combed and oiled the Prophet's ﷺ hair while he was in iʿtikāf in the mosque — he would lean his head out towards her while she was in her room. That narration shows menstruation is not an impurity that cuts off contact, but it does not settle the question of entering the mosque or holding the muṣḥaf. One view forbids both, another allows passing through the mosque without sitting, and another allows reading or touching through a barrier or on a phone. We do not name a school for any of these views because we do not hold works of fiqh here. Consult your state mufti (to be verified).
Difference among the schools. The jurists differ over a menstruating woman entering the mosque and touching the muṣḥaf. The difference is set out without attributing it to any particular school because our only sources are the Qur'an and hadith.
Sahih al-Bukhari 2046
17May a wife give her zakat or charity to her own husband?
Zaynab, the wife of Ibn Mas‘ud, came to the Prophet ﷺ and said she had jewellery she wished to give in charity, but Ibn Mas‘ud said that he and their children were more deserving of it. He replied that Ibn Mas‘ud had spoken the truth: your husband and your children are more deserving than anyone.
That narration concerns charity (ṣadaqah). For zakat, which is an obligatory levy, distribution and the eligibility of recipients (asnaf) are managed by the state zakat centre, and whether a wife may give her zakat to her own husband must be confirmed with your state zakat centre (to be verified). Do not confuse the two.
That narration concerns charity (ṣadaqah). For zakat, which is an obligatory levy, distribution and the eligibility of recipients (asnaf) are managed by the state zakat centre, and whether a wife may give her zakat to her own husband must be confirmed with your state zakat centre (to be verified). Do not confuse the two.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1462
18After childbirth, when must a wife take the ritual bath and resume praying?
When the post-natal bleeding (nifās) stops, she bathes and prays straight away — even if that period is shorter than is usual for others.
The principle is taken from the Prophet's ﷺ instruction to the woman we mention elsewhere: when the bleeding comes, leave the prayer; when it stops, bathe and pray. The bleeding stopping is the sign, not the calendar. If the bleeding continues for a long time and you are unsure whether it is nifās or istiḥāḍah, do not guess — ask your state mufti or fatwa officer (to be verified). We do not give any number of days here because we cannot base the well-known figures on the sources available to us.
The principle is taken from the Prophet's ﷺ instruction to the woman we mention elsewhere: when the bleeding comes, leave the prayer; when it stops, bathe and pray. The bleeding stopping is the sign, not the calendar. If the bleeding continues for a long time and you are unsure whether it is nifās or istiḥāḍah, do not guess — ask your state mufti or fatwa officer (to be verified). We do not give any number of days here because we cannot base the well-known figures on the sources available to us.
Sunan Abu Dawud 285 (sahih)Sunan Ibn Majah 626 (sahih)
19A wife who is pregnant or breastfeeding — may she not fast in Ramadan?
Al-Baqarah 2:185 grants a concession to those who are ill or travelling to make up the fast on other days, and affirms that Allah intends ease for you, not hardship. Al-Baqarah 2:286 affirms that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
On that basis, a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding and genuinely unable to fast is given a concession. The jurists differ on how she makes it up — some require making up the fasts only, some require fidyah only, and some require both, depending on her reason for not fasting. We do not name a school for these positions and do not state the rate of fidyah, because we cannot base either on the sources available to us. Consult your state zakat centre or mufti (to be verified).
On that basis, a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding and genuinely unable to fast is given a concession. The jurists differ on how she makes it up — some require making up the fasts only, some require fidyah only, and some require both, depending on her reason for not fasting. We do not name a school for these positions and do not state the rate of fidyah, because we cannot base either on the sources available to us. Consult your state zakat centre or mufti (to be verified).
Difference among the schools. How a pregnant or breastfeeding woman makes up her fasts is disputed between making up the days, fidyah, or both. This difference is stated without naming a school because we do not hold works of fiqh here.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:185Surah al-Baqarah 2:286
20The husband invites his wife to intimacy while she is observing a voluntary fast. Who takes precedence?
The hadith settles it at the source: a wife should not begin a voluntary fast while her husband is at home without his permission.
The Prophet ﷺ said: a woman may not fast (a voluntary fast) except with her husband's permission if he is present with her. So if the fast was begun with his permission, a husband who already knew should not make the request during that day. Note: this hadith concerns voluntary fasts specifically. The Ramadan fast is obligatory and needs no one's permission. See Intimate adab.
The Prophet ﷺ said: a woman may not fast (a voluntary fast) except with her husband's permission if he is present with her. So if the fast was begun with his permission, a husband who already knew should not make the request during that day. Note: this hadith concerns voluntary fasts specifically. The Ramadan fast is obligatory and needs no one's permission. See Intimate adab.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5192
21May a husband forbid his wife from fasting in Ramadan?
No. The Ramadan fast is an obligation from Allah, and no one has the right to set it aside.
The hadith requiring the husband's permission concerns voluntary fasts only, when the husband is at home — its very wording refers to voluntary fasting. It is not a licence to prevent obligatory worship. A wife's obedience to her husband is in what is right and reasonable (maʿrūf), not in abandoning Allah's commands. If a husband insists on this, it is no longer a matter of the household or turns but a matter of religion — consult a religious officer or a mosque counsellor.
The hadith requiring the husband's permission concerns voluntary fasts only, when the husband is at home — its very wording refers to voluntary fasting. It is not a licence to prevent obligatory worship. A wife's obedience to her husband is in what is right and reasonable (maʿrūf), not in abandoning Allah's commands. If a husband insists on this, it is no longer a matter of the household or turns but a matter of religion — consult a religious officer or a mosque counsellor.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5192
22During the nights of Ramadan, may husband and wife be intimate?
Yes. Al-Baqarah 2:187 states clearly that on the nights of the fast, going in to your wives is made lawful for you — and then mentions eating and drinking until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread.
The same verse mentions one exception: do not go in to your wives while you are in iʿtikāf in the mosques. If a couple are intimate close to dawn and have not taken the ritual bath before Fajr, the fast is not broken — the bath may be taken after dawn, followed by the prayer. See Intimate adab.
The same verse mentions one exception: do not go in to your wives while you are in iʿtikāf in the mosques. If a couple are intimate close to dawn and have not taken the ritual bath before Fajr, the fast is not broken — the bath may be taken after dawn, followed by the prayer. See Intimate adab.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:187
23A husband or wife has died with Ramadan fasts still owed. May we fast on their behalf?
A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said that his mother had died owing a month of fasts, and asked whether he could fast on her behalf. He replied: yes — and added that the debt owed to Allah is more deserving of being paid. The same narration also mentions the case of a woman who vowed to fast but died before fulfilling it.
So fasting on behalf of the deceased by a family member has a basis. For the surviving spouse, arrange it together with the other heirs so that efforts do not overlap. See Preparing for death.
So fasting on behalf of the deceased by a family member has a basis. For the surviving spouse, arrange it together with the other heirs so that efforts do not overlap. See Preparing for death.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1953
24How can we encourage the whole household not to miss prayers?
The command comes in three layers that complement one another.
Taha 20:132 commands: enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in it. At-Tahrim 66:6 commands you to protect yourselves and your families from the Fire. Maryam 19:55 praises the Prophet Ismail for enjoining prayer and zakat upon his family. For children the instruction is specific: the Prophet ﷺ commanded that children be told to pray when they reach seven years of age. What many families find most effective is praying in congregation at fixed times — not lectures. See Educating the family.
Taha 20:132 commands: enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in it. At-Tahrim 66:6 commands you to protect yourselves and your families from the Fire. Maryam 19:55 praises the Prophet Ismail for enjoining prayer and zakat upon his family. For children the instruction is specific: the Prophet ﷺ commanded that children be told to pray when they reach seven years of age. What many families find most effective is praying in congregation at fixed times — not lectures. See Educating the family.
Surah Taha 20:132Surah at-Tahrim 66:6Surah Maryam 19:55Sunan Abu Dawud 495 (sahih)
25May a wife observe iʿtikāf in the mosque at the end of Ramadan?
A woman's iʿtikāf has a basis in the narrations.
Al-Baqarah 2:187 mentions iʿtikāf in the mosques as a known practice, with a prohibition on going in to one's wife during it. Aishah r.a. combed the Prophet's ﷺ hair while he was in iʿtikāf in the mosque and she was in her room — showing that iʿtikāf took place within a living household, not in total seclusion. In practical terms, the husband's consent, safety and a dedicated women's space in the mosque need to be arranged first; ask the mosque about their conditions (to be verified).
Al-Baqarah 2:187 mentions iʿtikāf in the mosques as a known practice, with a prohibition on going in to one's wife during it. Aishah r.a. combed the Prophet's ﷺ hair while he was in iʿtikāf in the mosque and she was in her room — showing that iʿtikāf took place within a living household, not in total seclusion. In practical terms, the husband's consent, safety and a dedicated women's space in the mosque need to be arranged first; ask the mosque about their conditions (to be verified).
Surah al-Baqarah 2:187Sahih al-Bukhari 2046
26Should shared worship such as dhikr and Qur'an reading (tadarus) be made a household routine?
It is not a named obligation, but its effect is mentioned in the texts.
Ash-Shura 42:38 praises those who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and spend from what they have been provided — three things that build a home. A hadith also records that when a man wakes his wife and they both pray two rak'ahs, both are recorded among those who remember Allah. Start small: one prayer in congregation and one page of reading a day lasts longer than a grand timetable abandoned after a week.
Ash-Shura 42:38 praises those who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and spend from what they have been provided — three things that build a home. A hadith also records that when a man wakes his wife and they both pray two rak'ahs, both are recorded among those who remember Allah. Start small: one prayer in congregation and one page of reading a day lasts longer than a grand timetable abandoned after a week.
Surah asy-Syura 42:38Sunan Abu Dawud 1309 (sahih)
Comments or feedback
Read only by the MYPolygyny administrator — never published.
About Us · Ask · Site Map · Privacy · Editorial policy · Updated: 5 Oct 2026 · Disclaimer