MARRIAGE IN ISLAM

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim Alhamdulillahi rabbil-‘alamin was-Salatu was-Salam ‘ala Sayyidil-Mursalin wa ‘ala ‘Alihi wa Sahbihi Ajma’in. As Salamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

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Marriage has a huge place in Islam. A healthy Muslim society is built on marriage. A happy and peaceful home benefits all of its members in terms of personal satisfaction, health, longevity, and social life. It can also be grasped from the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), he says “When a man marries he has fulfilled half of the deen; so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half”. As Muslims, we are here in Dunya to fulfill our Deen(our Iman) this is the ultimate goal of a Muslim. In addition, marriage has half of it according to this hadith. Furthermore Allah (s.w.t.) says “And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.” (Surah an-Nur, 24:32). Thus, it can be easily said that marriage is one the most important blessings that Allah (s.w.t.) has given to us.

With regards to duty and responsibility it would be nice to start with an Ayah. Allah says in Holy Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah (2:187) “They (women) are a garment for you (men) and you are a garment for them.” The depiction of wives and husbands as each other's clothing reflects their close connection and relationship because clothes are the closest thing to one's body and are greatly needed to protect one from heat and cold, cover imperfections, and confer tranquillity and beauty.

In Islam, it is a man's responsibility to provide for all of his family's living expenses. Ishaq ibn 'Ammar approached the noble Imam Sadiq and asked him a question. “What are a wife's rights in relation to her husband? 'He must feed her and clothe her, and if she makes a mistake, he must forgive her,” he replied.

On the other hand, it is fascinating that as Amir al-Mu’minin has stated “The jihad of a woman is taking good care of her husband.” Thus, taking care of his woman is a responsibility of a man, whilst it is a jihad to take care of her man for a woman.

Disagreements are inevitable in every kind of relationship, especially for marriage. Because of the fact that both sides might have different backgrounds, culture, habits which result in incompatible reactions from both sides. Therefore, first of all, in case of disagreement it should be welcomed normally. In addition even between Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) and his wife.

During this kind of disagreements, we must

• have the right intention,

• be aware of solving issues require some time,

• not forget the reason/goal of the discussion,

• be patient.

Finally, as always it would be on point to give ayah about this issue to see what Allah (s.w.t.) recommends us to follow. Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Holy Qur’an in Surah An-Nisa (4:35) “If you anticipate a split between them, appoint a mediator from his family and another from hers. If they desire reconciliation, Allah will restore harmony between them. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”.

Thus, as the last point it can be said that we must find someone both sides know to reconcile, “Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware”.