It was brought to my
attention that I had concentrated on the duties and responsibilities of
the woman in Islam, why hadn't I included the duties and
responsibilities of the man? On this page will be listed the duties and
responsibilities of the man according to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Religious Obligations
The
man, once he reaches the age of puberty, is responsible for performing
all salats (prayers), fasting, and the performance of Hajj when he is
financially and physically able. It is mandatory on him to attend all
prayers at the mosque in congregation if he is physically able to do
so. This is especially true of Juma'ah.
CONCERNING PRAYER IN JUMA'AH:
Prayer
in Juma'ah is acceptable only if he prays it with the Muslim Juma'ah in
the mosque - since Allah ta'aalaa did not only order Prayer but also
added to it - And bow down your heads with those who bow down (in
worship). [2:43] - and he is not allowed to suffice with praying in his
home and leave the Juma'ah of the Muslims. And the Messenger (S) ordered
every fit and well Muslim to pray in the Mosque and desired to burn
those who remained in their houses - as occurs in 'Sahih al- Bukhari'
and 'Sahih Muslim' from Abu Hurairah (R). He (S) did not burn the houses
because of the presence of women and children on whom Prayer in the
mosque is not obligatory.
Following
is another excerpt form an article by Sheikh ibn Baaz's article on
prayer... <<.....During his travels, he used to practice the two
optional Rakaat before the morning prayer and also the Witr prayer
(after the I'sha prayer). There is no objection to perform these
optional prayers in the mosque, but it is better to perform it at home,
because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, said "The
best of the prayers are those which are fulfilled at one's own home,
with exception to obligatory prayers which should be performed in
congregation at the mosque.">> Following are a collection of
Hadith that speak about the importance of congregational prayer... Sahih
Al-Bukhari Hadith -Hadith 1.631 Narrated by Abu Huraira The Prophet
said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning
and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place
in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning
and afternoon going. -------- Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith - Hadith 1.619
Narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri The Prophet said, "The prayer in
congregation is twenty five times superior to the prayer offered by
person alone." ------ Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith - Hadith 1.620 Narrated by
Abu Huraira Allah's Apostle said, "The reward of the prayer offered by a
person in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of the
prayer offered in one's house or in the market (alone).
And
this is because if he performs ablution and does it perfectly and then
proceeds to the mosque with the sole intention of praying, then for
every step he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded one degree in
reward and his one sin is taken off (crossed out) from his accounts (of
deeds). When he offers his prayer, the angels keep on asking Allah's
blessings and Allah's forgiveness for him as long as he is (staying) at
his Musalla. They say, 'O Allah! Bestow Your blessings upon him, be
Merciful and kind to him.' And one is regarded in prayer as long as one
is waiting for the prayer."
Duties in regards to marriage
"Because
the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet have commanded kindness to
women, it is the husband's duty to consort with his wife in an equitable
and kind manner."1 This means that he is responsible for
her maintenance, and that of any children, he cannot abuse nor keep her
in suspense or uncertainty. If he feels that he cannot fulfill his
obligations to her then he must let her go in peace and justice. He
should not force her to seek Khul (divorce by the wife) just to get a
return of the Mahr (dowry), for in this case, she would be entitled to
keep it. (I will develop this subject in another subject related to
Divorce).
