Ingredients of marital love in Islam

Ingredients of Marital Love in Islam

"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in peace and tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect."

(Surah Ar-Rum, 30:21)

"O Humans revere your Guardian Lord, Who created you from a single person created of like nature its mate, and from this scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allah through Whom you claim your mutual rights."

(Surah An-Nisa, 4:1)

The above verses of the Quran lay out the framework as to what are the basis, the objectives and the goal love in Islam and of marriage in Islam. In the ultimate Wisdom of Allah we are first told that both partners man and woman are created from the same source. That this should be paid attention to as it is one of His signs.

The fact that we come from the same soul signifies our equality as humans, when the essence of our creation is the same, the argument of who is better or greater is redundant. To stress on this fact and then to talk about marriage in the same verse is of great significance for those of us who are in the field of marriage counseling.

The shift in this attitude of equality of genders as human beings cause a imbalance in marital relation ship that leads to dysfunctional marriage. When ever one party considers themselves superior or above the law there is a shift in the balance of power that may lead to misuse or abuse of power as the less valuable partner is seen as an easy prey. Many marital difficulties are based on or caused by control and rule stratagem.

By stressing on the equality of all humans men or women and making it the basis of marriage, Allah in His infinite wisdom has laid the ground rules for establishing peace, as well as the assigning of different roles to husband and wife as functional strategy rather than a question of competence as humans.

Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has stated that:

"Men and women are twin halves of each other."

(Bukhari)

This Hadith also brings home the fact that men and women are created from single source. Furthermore, by using the analogy of twin half the Prophet has underlined the reciprocal nature and the interdependent nature of men and women's relationship.

The objective and the goal of marriage in Islam according to the above Quranic verse is to enable us to dwell in peace and tranquility. It is important for us to reflect on these words and their significance in the Islamic frame of reference.

In order to have peace certain condition must be met. These prerequisites to peace are:

  • Justice
  • Fairness
  • Equity
  • Equality
  • Fulfillment of mutual rights

Therefore any injustice whether it is oppression, or persecution, cannot be tolerated if there is to be peace in Muslim homes.

In the domestic realm oppression is manifested when the process of Shura (consultation) is compromised, neglected or ignored. When one partner (in most cases the husband) makes unilateral decisions and applies dictatorial style of leadership, peace is compromised. Persecution is present when there is any form of domestic abuse being perpetrated.

Tranquility on the other hand is a state of being which is achieved when peace has been established. Tranquility is compromised when there is tension, stress and anger. It is a mistake to take tranquility to mean perpetual state of bliss. Since being Muslims does not make us immune to tragedies and catastrophes.

In fact Allah tells us in the Quran that we will be tried (2:155,57). What a state of tranquility does is to empower us to handle life's difficult moments with our spouses as obedient servants of Allah. Allah in His infinite Mercy also provides us with the tools by which we can achieve this state of peace and tranquility.

The second principle besides Shura on which the Islamic family life is based is Mercy (Rahma), and in this verse Allah is telling us that He has placed mercy between spouses. We are therefore inclined by our very nature to have mercy for our spouses. Mercy is manifested through compassion, forgiveness, caring and humility.

It is obvious that these are all ingredients that make for a successful partnership. Marriage in Islam is above all a partnership based on equality of partners and specification of roles. Lack of mercy in a marriage or a family renders it in Islamic terms dysfunctional.

Allah further states that He has also placed in addition to mercy, love between spouses. It should however be noted that Islamic concept of love is different from the more commonly understood romantic love so valued in the Western cultures.

The basic difference is that love between man and woman in the Islamic context can only be realized and expressed in a legal marriage. In order to develop a healthy avenue for the expression of love between man and woman and to provide security so that such a loving relationship can flourish, it is necessary to give it the protection of Shariah (Islamic law).

Marital Love in Islam

There are many important elements to marital love in Islam including:

The love Muslim spouses have for each other is for the sake of Allah that is to gain His pleasure. It is from Allah that we claim our mutual rights (Quran 4:1) and it is to Allah that we are accountable for our behavior as husbands and wives.

Love is not to consume but to sustain. Allah expresses His love for us by providing sustenance. To love in Islam is to sustain our loved one physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually, to the best of our ability (to sustain materially is the husbands duty, however if the wife wishes she can also contribute)

To love someone is to accept them for who they are. It is selfishness to try and mould someone as we wish them to be. True love does not attempt to crush individuality or control personal differences, but is magnanimous and secure to accommodate differences.

Love challenges us to be all we can. It encourages us to tap into our talents and takes pride in our achievements. To enable our loved one to realize their potential is the most rewarding experience.

Mercy compels us to love and love compels us to have mercy. In the Islamic context the two are synonymous. The attribute Allah chose to be the supreme for Himself is that He is the Most Merciful. This attribute of Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) is mentioned 170 times in the Quran, bringing home the significance for believers to be merciful. Mercy in practical application means to have and show compassion and to be charitable.

Love is never too proud to seek forgiveness or too stingy to forgive. It is willing to let go of hurt and letdowns. Forgiveness allows us the opportunity to improve and correct our selves.

To love is to respect and value the person their contributions and their opinions. Respect does not allow us to take for granted our loved ones or to ignore their input. How we interact with our spouses reflects whether we respect them or not.

Trust is the most essential ingredient of love. When trust is betrayed and confidentiality compromised, love loses its soul.

Love fosters a deep fondness that dictates caring and sharing in all that we do. The needs of our loved ones take precedence over our own. The Seerah (biography) of our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is rich with examples of acts of kindness, he showed towards his family and particularly his wives. Even when his patience was tried, he was never unkind in word or deed. To love is to be kind.

Marital love is not static; it grows and flourishes with each day of marital life. It requires work and commitment, and is nourished through faith when we are thankful and appreciative of Allah blessings.

Love enhances our image and beautifies our world. It provides emotional security and physical well being.

Love gives unconditionally and protects dutifully.

Love is honesty without cruelty and loyalty without compromise.

Comments

This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

Location

Great article, the point is we all have to try to become better humans, because we only get one shot in this life.

Location

Thank you for the information about Divorce in England & Wales, however, not much regarding muslims. I have received further information on this subject. Since last year (2003) when the law was changed in relation to Family proceedings, decree absolute can be postponed until the husband has delivered to the wife the "talaaq". The application can be made by either spouse. As the wife is severely disadvantaged should there be no "talaaq", then the courts may apply financial leverage to ensure the husband complies. As for arrangements for children, the following information is from CAFCASS : CAFCASS is required to comply with the Human Rights Act 1998. The Human Rights Act has been fully in force in the United Kingdom since 2 October 2000. The broad effect of this Act is to require that UK Domestic Law is interpreted, and that public authorities, including CAFCASS, act in a manner that is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Convention on Human Rights contains "Articles". Article 9: Freedom of thought, conscience and religion states that: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. I do hope that this information is of some assistance. Yours truly Matthew Wilson CAFCASS HQ This means that they will take into account Islamic Shariah for arrangements for children with the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration. Briefly as per the majority of muslims in England & Wales who prescribe to the Hanafi School : Children under 2 custody goes to the mother Children 2 to 6 custody goes to either parent (mutual consent) Children 7 to 15 custody goes to the father Children 16 and over, the child can choose the parent However, note must be taken that this is just a brief guideline and there are exceptions (for example if the mother remarries then the custody goes to the father regardless of age). Please also note that contact between parent and child must be maintained throughout the child's life as this is the Islamic way

Location

England

I think you have written this article with extreme care and diligence. As I'm studying world cultures in school, no other research material gives this insite to Muslim marriages. The statement made by some periodicals in Libraries and even on the Internet lead people (Non-Islamics) to believe that Islamic marriages focus on the husband and the brides family and not much on the bride. Thank you for this information.

Location

Arizona

Asalaam Alaikum, This is an excellent article and reflects great research, Mashallah. Muslims away from the Islamic Shria and evniornment really need such efficient, clear, precise, accurate and reliable information. It gets very hard to really know what one is supposed to do in this world. This is all thanks to Almight, most Gracious and most merciful Allah, the Best and True Islam that a person like me is able to cope up with this almost corrupted world. Sources like this are enlightening and just so uplifting ... Subhaanallah!! May Allah always give us the strength to stay on his right path. "Love Allah and He'll make sure you are loved :)".. Allah ho Akbar .. "Allah is the greatest and nothing is impossible for him." Keep faith in Him!

Location

New York

Thanks very much for the insight about love. I really appreciate your writing becuase it reconfirmed what my financee was explaining to me. May Allah continues to give you wisdom.

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Belize

YES I THINK THE APPROACH IS GOOD. IT IS A GOOD DESCRIPTION OF LOVE AND MARRAIGE

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islamabad

salaamAlhumdulillah!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanx for puting a great article like that.....had known better what is love and what it should be married life.......Masha Allah.......thanx for all who r working in this site...May Allah grant with u all goods.......and help us to follow right path......ameen.....waalikum salaam

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malaysia

hello..i am a hispanic catholic who is envolved with a muslim from pakistan for almost 2 years..his family refuses me in all aspects, they dont even want to hear my name..yet my side totally accepts him..we will blame this on his culture and traditions..(understandable)..recently my boyfriend asked me to marry him, of course i said YES..i have been through very trying times with him and his family..and without their support we are still together..trust me they have tried to intervene.. reason for my comment is that due to me not having any contact what so ever with his family, i havent been able to understand their ways..this has helped a little to try and get through this..but in the end of it all, it all comes down to one thing..that we are all the same, basically we all want the same thing..LOVE-TRUST-HONESTY..but they prefer to keep it between themselves..and sometimes we have to stray away to keep us happy..

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elizabeth, nj

Salam alaykum my dear sisters an brothers!!Jazak Allaho khayran for this article my sister. Its very good Mash´Allah an it gives hope an makes one understand wut marriage is all about in one concept. If there is no Love in marriage there cant be love for Allah subhana, we love each other for the sake of Allah subhana! May He Al Mighty lead us to the right path Inshallah. I recomand this site to all muslims. Mash´Allah!

Location

Sweden

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