Our homes are full of so many shortcomings and evils and examples of negligence. Basically, there are two things to consider: achieving our interests; which is by establishing that which is right and good, and warding off evil; by removing that which can cause it or bring it into our homes.

The first action to take is to strive towards guiding the spouse. If one's spouse is righteous, then it is a blessing indeed and a Bounty of Allah SWT. However, if one's spouse is not that righteous, then it becomes the duty of the partner to strive towards guiding him/her. The following scenario may apply:

One marries a man/woman who is not religious at first, or one may marry in the hope of guiding him/her, or under pressure from one's relatives. In such situations one should strive towards guiding him/her. Also realize that guidance comes only from Allah SWT, and that Allah SWT is the One Who reforms people. One of His blessings to his servant Zakariya AS was, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): and [We] cured his wife for him.? [al-Anbiyaa 21:90]. This curing or reforming may have been physical or religious. Ibn Abbaas RA said: "She was barren and could not have children, then she had a child."Ataa said: "She was harsh of tongue, and Allah SWT reformed her."?

There are various means of guiding and reforming one's spouse. A few examples are given here:
Pay attention towards correcting one's worship to Allah SWT in all of its aspects. Start off by strengthening the Imaan through encouragement. Encourage prayer at night (Qiyaam al-layl; recitation of Quran; and memorization of particular Adhkaar (prayers) at its appropriate times and occasions for saying them. Encourage the giving of charity; read useful Islamic books; listen to useful Islamic audios that would help in increasing knowledge and strengthen one's Imaan and continue to supply one's partner with them.

Choose good and religious friends, with whom one can form ties of relations and have good purposeful conversations and visits. Protect him/her from evil and block off the avenues that may lead to evil. And keep away from bad companions and bad places.

These are just some of the guidelines useful in reforming our homes to enhancement in spirituality. Strive towards them and experience the difference.