Household Work Equivalent to Jihad

“Women asked Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), ‘O Messenger of Allah, by performing Jihad the men have grabbed Allah’s favours. Is there any deed that we women can do through which we can obtain the same reward of performing Jihad?’ The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Yes, if one of you does the work of her house it will fetch her the same reward as performing Jihad.’” [Baihaqi]

All the work that is performed inside the house - whether it be related to cooking, cleaning, taking care of children or organizing things - can be a source of great reward for women. So don’t complain about it. If you want Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) to give you Jannah in return for this simple work, thank Him for providing you with this easy way in which to earn the great reward of Jihad, and do it happily.

Nobody can reward you as extravagantly as Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) can for changing diapers, reading to your children, washing dishes, sweeping floors, etc. So don’t look towards anyone else for compensation and feel grateful that while men have to participate in the most difficult of activities – Jihad - you get the same reward by cheerfully doing the work of your house instead. Subhan-Allah!