Allah the Almighty says, “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire.” (At-Tahreem: 6) He also says, “And enjoin prayer upon your family.” (Taha: 132), and “And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and zakah.” (Maryam: 55)

A Muslim has always been keen to establish religious obligations upon himself and his family and to keep both away from prohibitions. We have previously discussed that organizing acts of worship and seeking knowledge are from the fundamental laws of a Muslim home. Here, we remind ourselves of what a Muslim household should avoid—everything that contradicts moral integrity, let alone obligations and religious duties, or anything that leads to disliked or forbidden matters.

Muslims have long considered the interior of their homes as a private space that must be safeguarded from external view. The members of a Muslim household should take precautions to ensure that outsiders cannot see inside their homes and should be mindful when entering and leaving, especially when going outside for household chores such as hanging or collecting laundry. Certain types of clothing should not be displayed in a way that makes them visible to the public, as this contradicts a sense of modesty. Likewise, Muslim household should ensure that women’s clothing is not left in the guest room, as it violates general etiquette. Disorder and mess are also against good taste.

Unusual or inappropriate behavior and speech do not befit members of a Muslim household—whether among themselves or in interactions with others. It is essential to instill the habit of covering the body properly, even among young children, so they grow accustomed to modesty.

Girls, from an early age, should be trained not to appear before non-mahram men. A Muslim home should also be free of images of living beings, statues, and anything that scholars have deemed disliked or forbidden, even if differences of opinion exist on the matter.

A Muslim home must also be protected from radio or television programs, video tapes, and recordings that fall within the realm of idle talk, disliked matters, or the prohibited. A believer is fully aware of what is good and what is evil; thus, he should engage in what is good and avoid what is evil.

It is also necessary for members of a Muslim household to develop the habit of safeguarding their secrets, protecting their actions, and ensuring the security of their home and children. Revealing family secrets can lead to harm, and therefore, every household member should be trained not to discuss private family matters unless there is a clear benefit in doing so. Just as exposing secrets can have material consequences, it also has religious implications and affects one’s moral integrity. A husband and wife should not disclose their private matters to others, especially in ways that compromise dignity and modesty.

Doors should be locked properly, and precautions should be taken against thieves and spies—anything that threatens the security of the home or makes it susceptible to suspicion should be avoided. Attention should be given to potential fire hazards or anything that may cause harm inside or outside the home. It is also crucial to ensure that no one sleeps in a place where they might fall or that children do not play in areas where they could be at risk of injury. Harmful objects such as medicine, sharp tools, or breakable containers should not be left within children’s reach.

Similarly, a Muslim home must be protected from any manifestation that contradicts Islamic teachings or compromises security.

One of the most essential matters for a Muslim household is distinguishing between two categories of women:

1. Women who are permanently forbidden (mahram) for a man to marry.

2. Women who are temporarily forbidden (non-mahram).

For the latter group, it is not permissible to shake hands with them, touch them, be in seclusion with them, or allow them to uncover or display adornment in front of them. Some communities have become lenient in this regard, but the solution is for everyone to learn and adhere to the correct Islamic ruling.

Some families live together after marriage, and in such cases, a man’s brother’s wife should not appear before him without proper covering, nor is it permissible for her to shake hands with him or be alone with him. Similarly, a woman should not appear before her sister’s husband without wearing the proper hijab, nor should she shake hands with him or be alone with him.

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Taken from “Laws of the Muslim Household” by Sheikh Sa’id Hawwa.