533. Raising Of Children

The PRIMARY duty of a woman is to raise her children right and teach them to be good Muslims. 

That’s the PRIMARY duty of a Muslimah. 

Allaah will not ask us when we die, about our degrees or our careers. 

Rather He will ask if we raised our kids in an Islaamic upbringing. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

 “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd of her husband’s household and is responsible for her flock…” 

(al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Each and every one of us will be asked about the one we were responsible for. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Allaah will ask every person in a position of responsibility about that which was entrusted to him, whether he took care of it or was negligent, until He will ask a man about the members of his household.” (Ibn Hibbaan; saheeh by al-Albaani in Ghaayat al-Maraam, no. 271)

And if he or she fails in this responsibility, that’s a big sin. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“There is no person whom Allaah puts in charge of others, and when he dies he is insincere to his subjects, but Allaah will forbid Paradise to him.” (Muslim)

That’s why ibn Umar radhi Allaahu anhu said:

"Raise your children correctly, verily you are responsible for them and you will be questioned regarding your rearing of them." (Shu'ab al Eman 8295) 

As for seeking knowledge of the Dunya, that’s not priority over her basic responsibilities. 

And as for seeking knowledge of the *Deen*, as  long as the woman has basic knowledge of Islaam and is able to practice her Deen according to the teachings of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, that’s the basic requirement. 

But if she can increase her knowledge of the Deen while not neglecting her basic responsibilities, then that’s the best thing. 

And Allaah knows best