Attentiveness, care, appreciation and praise are central to a happy home, marriage and family and were modelled by the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) throughout his life.
Sharing the load of household tasks and child-rearing responsibilities is also pivotal to harmonious relationships.
These are some of the central messages conveyed by Mufti Zeeyad Ahmed Ravat, Founder and Director at Daarul Arqam Australia, which left a lasting impression for the 100 attendees of the Sunnah of a Happy Family Workshop on Sunday June 10.
Held at the Red Rose Function Centre in Rockdale and organised by Advance Diversity Services (ADS), the event attracted Muslims of all ages.
The workshop encouraged respectful relationships and positive attitudes and behaviours among spouses and family members, highlighting the importance of early intervention in preventing family violence. It also provided the participants with an opportunity to address their concerns including the challenges of negative gender attitudes and cultural practices.
Participants concerned about conflict resolution, parenting, spousal communication, gender roles and expectations in a migration context received thoughtful responses from Mufti Zeeyad Ahmed Ravat, who also peppered his speech with examples and humour.
“I want to highlight the romance of the prophet; the prophet as a romantic person,” said Mufti Zeeyad Ahmed Ravat
“There is no-one more romantic to his family than the prophet, and he would not accept an invitation unless his wife was invited with him.
“His wife Aisha also told people, ‘He would look for the place where I put my lips and drink from that spot.’”
The prophet treated people respectfully and fairly, the Mufti said.
“He had hundreds who would jump at his command but instead he said, ‘While you cook and you clean, I will go and gather the wood for the fire.’”
The workshop focused on the positive Islamic value system based on the role model and practices or “sunnah” of the Prophet Mohammad. In Islam, the sunnah – also spelled sunna (Arabic: سنة) – is an ultimate guide for leading an ethical, productive and happy life.
“As Muslims, we believe the life of the Prophet Mohammad is an example for generation after generation to follow,” said Tasneem Rasheed, the Bangladeshi worker with ADS. “He really provided the best role model for how to live in a pure, humble and happy way, with the worship of Allah central to our purpose.
“The workshop was a good reminder that equality, sharing generously and helping others are pivotal to our faith and that living these values can help our families and communities to be peaceful and happy.
“All participants told me they found the event fun and inspiring, adding ‘Thank you so much for putting on this event. Please organise more events. We loved it!’”
Magdaline Shenton Kaleido Team Leader, Emerging Communities, Settlement and Community Services for ADS, said, “Coming out of lockdown to have such a big, catered, family event with such great messaging was wonderful for everyone.
“There was appreciation all round for getting together again after so long with no face-to-face group events.
“Some women expressed the need for the words to become deeds: ‘Great talk, now for action!’”