This is our summary of an article first published by MuslimMatters. Read the full piece on their site.
Read on MuslimMattersIt treats marriage as an act of worship that needs steady effort, and its suggestions are simple, warm and rooted in the Sunnah our readers love.
Key takeaways
- You need not wait for a new year; any day can begin a fresh effort in your marriage.
- Forgive quickly once your spouse apologises, and avoid reopening old grievances.
- Protect regular screen-free time together, even fifteen minutes on the couch.
- Tell your spouse you love them often and in varied, creative ways.
- Trade criticism for sincere compliments, and thank each other for everyday help.
What the article says
Observing that New Year resolutions usually focus on health or productivity, the author suggests couples set resolutions for their marriage instead, noting rising divorce among Muslims. The piece frames this effort as something done for the sake of Allah and cites a hadith in Sahih Muslim describing how Shaytan prizes causing discord between husband and wife.
“A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers.”
A saying quoted by the author
The first resolution is to forgive and let go. The author draws on research linking forgiveness with well-being and on the story of a Companion promised Paradise because he held no grudges. The second is to invest in quality time: put devices away, give each other full attention as the Prophet ﷺ did with those he spoke to, and keep a regular outing or simple daily time together.
Next come expressing love every day, supported by a hadith encouraging people to tell those they love; criticising less and complimenting more; and showing appreciation through thanks, small gifts, notes and dua. The copy we received ends partway through the fifth resolution, so the final two are not covered here.
Why it matters for Muslim marriages
Our matchmakers often remind couples that the wedding is the beginning of the work, not the end. This piece captures that spirit beautifully, tying everyday kindness to the example of the Prophet ﷺ, who gave people his full attention and made time for his family. Forgiveness, gratitude and gentle words cost little but steadily build trust. For couples just starting out, choosing even one of these habits together, and renewing the intention regularly, can lay a foundation of mercy that carries a marriage through harder seasons.
Originally published by MuslimMatters. Summary and reflections by the BeyondChai team.
