What is the reward for one who awakes and goes to sleep, his concern being his family, fearing for them and supplicating for their steadfastness, guidance, and concealment from the trials and calamities of this world, and for their hearts to remain firm in faith and obedience? And is this action considered part of the jihad that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, intended in his saying: "And with your family, strive [in jihad]"?

Striving for one's family, caring for them, raising them, educating them, and calling them to goodness is one of the best acts of proximity to Allah. Allah praised His prophets for enjoining their families to prayer and zakat, like Ismail (peace be upon him). Allah commanded His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his community to enjoin their families to prayer. This should not prevent a Muslim from caring for the affairs of Muslims in general, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin with those whom you support." As for the phrase "And strive with your family," it has not been authentically narrated. However, it is reported in a hadith: "A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and sought his permission for jihad. He asked: 'Are your parents alive?' He replied: 'Yes.' He said: 'Then strive in their service.'"