The values and structure of an Muslim society are one of the best of its kind in the world, with ethical, moral, and religious values being one of the most identifiable and key features of the society. And one of the most important core elements fostering these types of noble values is an ideal Muslim family in society.
The role of the Muslim family in Islam is a very big one, helping a new generation grow up to be pious, respectful people in the future. It is one of the cornerstones of the Muslim society, with respect for elders and compassion for others, learning about cohesion and other values being developed in kids from a very early age.
“Each of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his subjects, the man is a shepherd in charge of his household and is responsible for his flock.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
One of the key roles of an ideal Muslim family in society, is the continuation and spreading of Islamic values and teachings, ensuring that new generations are attached to the faith with increased zeal. This crucial act makes sure that new generations continue to be pious and devout muslims, and that he or she continues to spread the message of Islam to others and their own offspring.
Here is a verse from the Holy Quran stressing on upholding Islamic teachings in a family to protect themselves from the Fire :
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًۭا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌۭ شِدَادٌۭ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ” أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ “٦
"O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded." (Holy Quran Surah 66 Surah At-Tahrim: Verse 6)
Another key element of the role of a muslim family in society is upholding ethical and moral values and transferring these teachings to new generations. In this way, new generations will be taught about key values of the Islamic faith, such as its emphasis on patience, compassion with others and family, respecting their elders and others, and complete honesty. This will ensure that they will not fall into doing misdeeds, disrespecting others or in a whole, being detrimental to society.
Here is a verse from the Book of Allah, that tells about a father (Luqman) speaking to his son and warning him about being boastful and only doing rightful deeds.
“O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination. And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” (Holy Quran Surah 31 Surah Luqman: Verse 17 to 19)
Being charitable towards one’s family and others in need is another key religious value that Islam stresses believers to embrace wholeheartedly. These teachings known as Zakat and Sadaqah help upcoming generations to be charitable and more compassionate towards their Muslim brothers and sisters or others in times of need, helping create a community that helps others and is self-sufficient.
۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ” وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌۭ “٦٠
“Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Holy Quran Surah 9 Al-Tawbah: Verse 60)
One of the cornerstones of a Muslim society is a devout and respectable family that is not detrimental to society and helps foster Islamic values in itself and others. Its key role in enhancing one's faith and upholding its values is crucial in the development of a Muslim society and as humans alone.