Likewise, in everything that the Sacred Law commands, one should, when doing it, intend to comply with the command so that it becomes an act of worship. In wudu, for example, when we wish to perform ablution, we should intend that it is a condition of prayer which must be fulfilled, and call to mind that we are carrying out Allah’s command in His saying:

“O you who believe, when you rise for prayer, wash your faces.” [al-Ma'idah 5:6]

We may remember this at times, but we forget it often. And when we do this, do we feel as though the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—is before us, and that we are following his example, thereby becoming among those who follow him? We may do this at times, but it often escapes us. One should therefore be resolute, lest such matters and their rewards be missed through this kind of heedlessness.

One should also be patient with one’s wife, even if one sees in her something one dislikes, for Allah the Exalted says:

“Live with them in kindness. If you dislike something, perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” [al-Nisa 4:19]

Glory be to Allah—how eloquent the Quran is! The Most High did not say, “Perhaps you dislike them”; rather, He said, “Perhaps you dislike a thing”—that is, anything at all. A person may dislike going to his friend’s house, yet Allah may place much good in that visit. Or he may dislike buying something, but buy it despite his reluctance, and Allah may place much good in it. And the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes one quality in her, he will be pleased with another.” (1)

The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—also drew attention to this when he said: “None of you should flog his wife as a slave is flogged,” (1)