8. Social activity

Family life is of great concern in Islam. One of Islam's primary goals is to build a strong and lasting family life with firm bonds of intimacy, true security and unity. 33 This outlook corresponds with what science tells us: a happy environment, natural social contacts, support from family and friends, satisfaction with one's life and strong ethical standards are all important factors in ensuring healthy brain performance. Studies show that a happy family environment gives rise to healthy, intelligent and productive kids. An atmosphere that encourages constant communication between parents and children in the first three years of their lives has been linked to higher IQ levels in children. 34 Providing an intellectually stimulating environment for young children is essential for boosting their intelligence. The quality of interactive care given to kids from an early age and time spent talking, reading stories and playing with them have a crucial role in their brain development. The effect is even believed to be long lasting, which means that the first three years in a child's life can affect his or her brainpower for the rest of his or her life. 35 This in effect puts a great deal of responsibility on the mother, and emphasizes her important and irreplaceable role in raising young 33 Abd al-Ati, 2003. 34 Santrock, 2003. 35 Campebell et al., 2001; Ramey & Ramey, 1998; Ramey & Campbell, 1984 and Ramey et al., 2001. people with healthy minds. Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace be upon him) said: «You are all guardians and are responsible for those under your care: a man is a guardian for his family and a woman is a guardian over her husband's household and their children.» 36 Studies demonstrate that elderly people living alone, receiving no family care or support, are more prone to deterioration of their cognitive faculties, which can be manifested as dementia and memory loss. 37 In the Quran, Allah, the Exalted, Almighty, orders us to take care of our parents in their old age, as they took care of us when we were little: ~And Allah has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain .old age in your life, do not say to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say, 'O Allah! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.'~ (Quran 17: 23-24) Notice here the word .!.I~ means not only 'in your life', but 'with you', meaning that they should not be left alone: strong and continuous family ties and support are very important for the mental, 36 Muslim and Abu Dawood. 37 Restak, 1997. psychological and physical health of the elderly, as well as being advantageous for the younger generations of the family. Social commitment in Islam ranges from blood ties and marital commitments to the brotherly connections between all Muslims in society, laying the foundation for an extended Muslim family that fosters a mature sense of love, nurturing and security. In the Qur' an and the Sunnah, we find many reminders of the importance of Muslim unity - and indeed of the unity of all humankind by nature and origin. We all came from one father and one mother: Adam and Eve; thus, there is no room in Islam for racial discrimination and social injustice. Allah (~ ) says: (\• :..:.,l~lo_,_,.....) ~The believers are truly brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy) (Quran 49: 10) This principle for the foundation of a true Muslim society is considered by many scholars to be a religious duty and a commitment that is essential for building a secure, happy and prosperous society. This in turn has a noticeable effect on the individual's happiness, contentment and peace of mind. 38