Isra’ Mi’raj is a momentum to reflect on the importance of prayer as a pillar of religion and the basis for building a modern Islamic family. By making prayer a guideline, families can survive in the face of challenges and develop into a better community.
Isra’ Mi’raj is one of the important events in Islamic history that continues to be a source of inspiration for Muslims. On this great journey, the Prophet Muhammad SAW. received a direct command from Allah SWT. to perform prayer. Unlike other worship, the obligation to pray was determined in the sky, showing how vital this command is in shaping the lives of Muslims.
“Prayer is a pillar of religion and the basis for developing human personality,” said Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Lubis, MA, Chair of the MUI for Women, Youth, and Families. According to her, prayer has a meaning that is more than just a religious ritual but also a way to build strong mental and spiritual resilience, especially amidst the challenges of modern life.
The Isra’ Mi’raj event reminds Muslims that prayer is not only an individual obligation but also a foundation that strengthens relationships within the family. In the context of a modern Islamic family, the values of prayer can be applied to create harmony, manage stress, and build a strong and noble generation.
Direct Command from Allah SWT.
Of the five pillars of Islam, prayer is the only worship directly ordered by Allah SWT. to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. through the Isra’ Mi’raj event. “Prayer is required five times a day as a direct command from Allah SWT. to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This worship is not only a pillar of religion but also the basis for developing human personality,” explained Prof. Amany.
In the Qur’an, Allah SWT. emphasizes the importance of prayer as a protector from evil and vile deeds. As His word in QS. Al-‘Ankabut: 35, “Indeed, prayer prevents vile and unjust deeds.” Prayer is a means for humans to always remember Allah in every action, preventing them from detrimental behaviour to themselves and others.
Prof. Amany emphasized that Islamic teachings, including prayer, are always relevant to the times. “There should be no view that Islamic teachings are old-fashioned. Its verses are always updated and relevant in every era,” he said. Prayer is a ritual and a tool for forming a strong and resilient character.
Education in Modern Islamic Families
Family resilience is one of the essential foundations of modern Islamic society. According to Prof. Amany, a sakinah, mawaddah, and rahmah family can be formed through a good understanding of family jurisprudence. This understanding includes the rights and obligations of family members, engagement, dowry, marriage contract, children’s education, and the management of personal and joint assets.
A balanced relationship between women and men is also the primary key. “A fair division of household tasks can prevent divorce,” he added. In addition, harmonious kinship relationships help reduce stress, especially when facing the challenges of modern life.
In the context of the millennial era, families need to pay special attention to managing adolescent problems. “The transformation of social life must be managed well so as not to disrupt family harmony,” said Prof. Amany.
Assertive Character Education
Character education is one of the main pillars of building a resilient generation. Prof. Amany said that an assertive character allows someone to communicate well, have a positive outlook, voice opinions without being rude, respect other people’s preferences, not be easily influenced by other people’s views, and be resilient in facing the waves of change in the 21st century.
This character education also helps individuals avoid multidimensional conflicts and adapt to challenges such as the pandemic and its impacts in various fields. “A strong character is the foundation for facing the rapid changes in the world,” said Prof. Amany.
The Role of Prayer in Family Resilience
Prayer is one of the essential keys to creating family resilience. Through prayer, every family member is taught always to remember Allah SWT. making Him the centre of every decision and action. “Prayer is not only a ritual but also a way to build harmony in the family,” said Prof. Amany.
Isra’ Mi’raj is a momentum to reflect on the importance of prayer as a pillar of religion and the basis for building a modern Islamic family. By making prayer a guideline, families can survive in the face of challenges and develop into a better community.
In closing, Prof. Amany reminded me that character education, managing adolescent problems, and transforming social life must go hand in hand with implementing prayer. “Prayer is the core of family resilience that is sakinah, mawaddah, and rahmah,” he concluded. (YN)
