One Minute on the Street

Every day, we step outside and pass by ordinary scenes without giving them a second thought. Yet if we pause for one minute and look more closely, we will find powerful lessons all around us—lessons about faith, gratitude, responsibility, and how we represent Islam.

The Strength of Hijab

In one minute on the street, you may see a Muslim woman walking with modesty and confidence, holding firmly to her hijab. In a time of pressure, temptation, and constant messages encouraging people to compromise their values, she has chosen to remain true to her beliefs and identity.

Allah says: “O Prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the believing women to draw their outer garments over themselves” (Quran 33:59).

When the command of hijab was revealed, the early Muslim women responded immediately. Aisha (RA) praised them for their allegiance and quick obedience to Allah.

We should recognize and support the Muslim women in our lives who have chosen this path. We should be proud of our mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters who wear the hijab, and pray that Allah keeps them strong.

If you have a woman in your family who wears the hijab, tell her: “Thank you. Your hijab makes us proud.”

The Blessing of Honest Work

As you continue walking, you may see an employee beginning a long shift or a business owner opening their store. They work to earn a halal income, provide for their family, and serve people honestly, without cheating or deception.

This daily effort can become an act of worship.

Allah says: “When the prayer is over, spread throughout the land and seek the blessings of Allah” (Quran 62:10).

The Prophet ﷺ taught that when a person works to provide for young children, care for elderly parents, or protect themself from depending on others, their effort is in the cause of Allah.

Honest work protects families, preserves human dignity, and strengthens the entire community. The Prophet ﷺ also taught that among the greatest forms of charity is the money a person spends on their own family.

So we honor every person who wakes up early, works hard, and strives to earn what is halal. Their effort may look ordinary to people, but with the right intention, it is greatly rewarded by Allah.

Representing Islam Through Good Character

You will also meet people on the street who do not share your faith. Remember, your behavior may be their first introduction to Islam.

You represent Islam when you comply with traffic laws, smile at others, respect your neighbors, keep parks and public places clean, and remove anything that may harm people.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Give the road its rights.”

He also taught that faith has many branches, and removing something harmful from the road is one of them. He told us about a servant who entered Paradise because he removed a thorny branch from people’s path.

Islam is not only practiced inside the Masjid. It appears in our honesty at work, our modesty in public, our respect for others, and our care for shared spaces.

One minute on the street may seem insignificant, but it can reveal who we are, what we value, and how we represent our faith.

Imam Jafar Hawa

The Mosque Foundation