Homemaking Isn’t Dreadful When Your Intentions are Set Straight
Homemaking doesn’t need to be this dreaded chore that eats away at your time and makes you feel chained to your kitchen. It can be a fulfilling and rewarding task when approached with the right intention and purpose.
When we have a clear intention, we become more mindful of our actions, make choices that align with our goals, and become more aware of what helps or hinders our progress.
As Muslims, our taqwa is what ensures that our intentions are pure. By being God-conscious, we strive to act in ways that please Allah SWT, while also benefiting ourselves and others. This aligns with our values and principles, and it guides us towards actions that are meaningful and purposeful.
Tips for making homemaking more intentional and less dreadful
1. Define your values
Consider what's important to you and your family. Make a list of values that you want to prioritize, such as having a clean and organized space, eating healthy meals, or spending quality time together.
2. Create a routine
Develop a routine that works for you and your family. Schedule set times for cleaning, cooking, and other tasks that need to be done regularly. Having a routine can help you feel more in control of your home and reduce stress from being unorganized.
3. Declutter
Simplify your space by decluttering regularly. Get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. A clutter-free space can make it easier to keep your home clean and organized, especially when you have kids or a smaller home.
4. Choose quality over quantity
Invest in high-quality items that will last longer and bring you more joy. Focus on buying things that are functional, beautiful, and bring you pleasure, instead of purchasing items because they were on sale or you bought them mindlessly.
5. Make it fun
Add some fun and creativity to your homemaking tasks. Play Quran, a podcast, or some light tunes while you clean, try out new recipes, or decorate your space in a way that brings you joy.
6. Practice gratitude
Take time to appreciate your home and the work that you put into it. Recognize the small things that bring you pleasure, such as a clean kitchen, a cozy reading nook, or a sacred space to make salah.
7. Set boundaries
Don't let homemaking take over your life. Set boundaries and prioritize your self-care to maintain a work-life balance. Make time for your hobbies, exercising, and socializing to avoid burnout.
Homemaking with the right intention
The Prophet SAW said:
"Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with an intention for Allah and His messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and his Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for." (Bukhari and Muslim)
As Muslimas, we should aspire to be visionaries by constantly evaluating our intentions and understanding the purpose behind our actions. We need to regularly question our short and long-term goals and continuously ask ourselves, "Why am I doing what I am doing?"
The hadith mentions that we will only be rewarded for the actions that were intended. Thus, if we keep our homes well-kept, no matter what others think, we may reap those benefits and will not be rewarded for them. Therefore, we should set our intentions first for Allah’s SWT pleasure so we can get the full reward for our efforts, and maybe our other wants will still be fulfilled too, inshallah.
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.
