Men are the protectors and maintainers of the family. When they have the right universal values, so will their offspring too. I guess most of the parents that came to the West were more busy with earning money than Islam. Ma Sha Allah, now we see a lot of their children have become very religious, despite their parents not being the best role-models.
It is very important that we also teach our next generation the right values. For instance, it is very common that in a family with siblings, the daughters have to do most of the chores. I mean, has the Imam at the Mosque ever talked about this? We have to read sunnah and nawafil in the prayers, but what about following the sunnah in our life outside of the prayer. If we don`t teach our kids, mainly young boys that they have to help around in the house, and not leave all the work for the women, what kind of husbands do you think they will turn out to be? We have forgotten a lot of sunnahs. The Prophet (pbuh) was never shy to help around the house. He also mended his own clothes and shoes. Nothing will happen to your status if you give the women in your family a helping hand. Even when your friends and family are around. Are you to shy to follow the sunnah? It is ok when it suits your life, right? If it doesn`t than, never mind. It is very important that we try to think more about what Islam says, rather than what our culture is. There has developed clashes between religion and culture. You decide what will win.
Men have a lot of responsibility and I understand that. Another important aspect they have forgotten is to make sure that the people in their family doesn`t go away from Islam. They should rather make sure that the women in their life come closer to Islam. One thing that is very important is for example the prayers. Don`t just make sure you yourself read it on time, but make sure that your daughter, sister, mother and wife also get a chance to read it with proper concentration without having to hurry because the children are crying or that the dinner will burn. So that they also get a good equal chance to earn those rewards that you now have become so eager to earn. Remind them. Remember you have a responsibility. From character to spirituality, Islam is a way of life.
May Allah help all the men of this Ummah understand the responsibility that is put on their shoulders, and help them in fulfilling it in the best possible way. Ameen summa ameen.
Roshnii179 