Adh-Dhahabee related in Sayr A'lam An-Nubala from Asma bint Yazeed ibn As-Sakan (May Allah Mercy upon her) that she went to the Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you. I have come to you on behalf of the women. Verily Allah has sent you to men and women. We have believed in you. We do not go out and we remain in your homes. We are your source of physical pleasure. We carry your children. A man goes out to pray jum'a and jamaa'a, and follows the janazah. And if you go out for hajj, or 'Umrah, or jihad, we look after your wealth. We wash your clothing. We raise your children. Shall we not share in the reward?" The Prophet (PBH) turned to his Companions and said, "Have you ever heard anything a woman has said better than what she has said?" Then he (PBH) said to her: "Understand O woman, and inform the other women. Indeed a woman's perfection of her relationship with her husband, her seeking his pleasure, and doing that which he approves of is equivalent to all of that." Asma (R) left exclaiming "La ilaha illallah".

Here, the Prophet (PBH) explains an important aspect of 'ibadah which applies uniquely to women. He informs us of the way to her success and how she has been granted this distinguished form of worship, one that many of us complain about. It is equivalent to jihad, praying jum'a and jama'a. It is commensurate to participating in the janazah, performance of hajj and 'Umrah. This 'ibadah is the perfection of her relationship with her husband, her seeking his pleasure, obeying him, and doing that which he approves of. It is the caring for her children and her home and remaining within her home. Allah, the Most High, in His incomparable mercy, has provided her with other deeds which replace those deeds that men usually perform, so that she may achieve equal reward.

One might argue that most all women participate in these actions on a daily basis, even the disbelieving women. However, the concerns of a Muslim woman are nobler. She sets her sights high in her actions. She is aware that her every act, when performed Islamically, is an expression of her worship of Allah.

What is it that makes a woman wish for free time? Usually it is a need for a more personal time period wherein she may direct her energies into something that she would individually benefit from and enjoy. There is nothing wrong with this and indeed, when done with the correct intention, this too falls into 'ibadah. However, the waste of free time is an evil that many of us succumb to. The world is filled with opportunities for us to waste our time. Satan whispers here and there and before you know it we've intended well but failed to follow through. All of us are prone to wasting our time or failing to take opportunities to use our time well.