Knowing Your Purpose as a Muslim Woman
My cousin Saajida, who is a mentor for the local moms in her community, wrote this extract for us to explain our purpose in life as Muslim women. Below the article, I have shared an informative video by Dr. Aysha Wazwaz, whom I admire for her knowledge and excellent lectures on Islam and women.
Knowing Your Purpose as a Muslim Woman By Saajida B.
I have learnt over the years that Allah is the only one in control of my life. He SWT controls everything that happens, including the way my children and spouse behave towards me. With this understanding, the events that occur in our lives are either tests or they are punishments. If the situation takes you closer to Allah, it's a test, and if it takes you further from Allah, it's a punishment.
When you accept this, you can look at each situation in your life and ponder over the lessons you are supposed to learn, and realize that Allah is guiding you. The situation will eventually change, and your reaction and perspective to those situations will change as well. This may sound confusing, but if you ask yourself, "What is my purpose in life?" it will all make sense.
Who are you?
You do not belong to anyone. You are not your father's or mother’s child, your spouse's partner, or your children's parent. First and foremost, you belong to Allah, and you were created by Him for a purpose. Your quest in life is to please Him in everything you do in this world. Allah chose this life and your particular situation just for you, and it's up to you to understand this to gain meaning.
What is your purpose?
You are a slave of Allah, and as His slave, you have two obligations to fulfill as a human being. The first obligation is to Allah. These are the rights of Allah, such as giving zakah, reciting the Qur'an, making salah, performing saum and Hajj, etc.
The second obligation is to your fellow-man. These are the rights of human beings, such as respect for parents, spouses, children, the community, etc. You are required to treat the people in your life as a blessing and an amanah, and with courtesy and kindness. Allah has determined through His Will that these people will be a part of your life, so any friendship or bond you establish should follow the fard and sunnah acts of Islam.
You were not placed in this duniya for enjoyment, but to earn Jannah. You are here to take your partner, children, family, and friends with you to Jannah. The duniya is a prison for the believer. It is a place of unrest and agitation, and you will not find the absolute peace you seek in this life. You should focus on how you are going to get to Jannah and, more importantly, how you can assist others in achieving this same goal.
What about your earthly life?
It doesn't mean you shouldn't tie your camel and search for happiness. You should always seek inner peace first, which comes from loving Allah, then His Rasool SAW, and then others in your life for His pleasure. The key is to do everything for the sake of Allah alone.
Then, you should take care of yourself before taking care of others, or you won't be able to take care of anyone. The Hadith states that kindness is an act of charity, and kindness to oneself is also considered an act of charity. It is important to make time for yourself, your prayer, your exercise, your nutrition, and your sleep, and to find joy in your journey through life.
You should take the time to stop and notice the beauty in your surroundings, enjoy moments with your children, the pleasure of your spouse's company, and so many wonderful blessings around you. You shouldn't become too stressed to be playful and carefree. As a parent, a spouse, a child, a sibling, a friend, a neighbor, and a community member, you will always know your earthly purpose in this world, but it is important to remember who you are as a Muslim and what your purpose is to your Lord. If you find that balance, you will have more meaning in your life and calmness in your heart.
Written by Saajida B and edited by Zakeeya
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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