As-Salaamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullaah,

Shaykh Muhammad 'Umar Baazmool was asked about the Muslim men who are seeking knowledge or so busy with affairs of da'wah that they neglect the rights of their families.  He replied:

"The Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said,

"Verily your wife has a right over you, and verily your guest has a right over you, and verily your body has a right over you..."

So based on this, I say that providing for one's family, spending on them, and tending to their affairs, are all obligations without doubt. A man's involvement in affairs of da'wah is part of a group responsibility, something recommended. If others are establishing this duty, then he is not obliged to be involved.

Without a doubt, a man's taking care of his individual obligations has more of a right than his taking care of recommended things, or things that others are handling sufficiently.

So if there is a conflict between the obligations related to his children, wife, guests, or his own self, and the general benefit of being involved in affairs of da'wah, then I say - No! Taking care of your obligations related to your wife and children, your guests, your household, and your own self must be given priority over your involvement in affairs of da'wah, because these things are obligations, while your involvement in affairs of da'wah is recommended so long as the da'wah is not totally dependent upon you and there are others who are taking care of it.

Therefore, you are falling into sin by neglecting the rights of your family..." [ more ]

Click here to read more of his very beneficial answer to this important question:

http://www.bakkah.net/interactive/q&a/aamb038.htm

May Allaah reward the shaykh for his excellent advice.

Abul-'Abbaas
http://www.bakkah.net

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