Spiritual harmony in Muslim marriage

The Qur’an categorically states that the objective of marriage, besides perpetuating human life, is also spiritual harmony or creating “an abode of peace.” However, the Qur’an does not leave the…

Clarify Divorce and Iddah

I have a few questions regarding iddah and divorce that I need clarification in. If the couple is going through Divorce, should they fill out the divorce forms during or after the iddah period? If the…

The Spark is Missing!

People are quick to point to the aptly named “spark” as being the problem in almost all relationships beyond the exciting wedding and honeymoon phase. Even within our Muslim community, people tend to …

Controlling anger before it controls you!

‎”I was so angry and in the process divorced my wife! I did not mean to!” How many times have we heard this line? May Allah protect the ummah…Ameen. Dear reader, all of us at some time or another have…

Long Distance Relationships: Giving Gifts!

When living overseas or staying away from your spouse one of the easiest things to do and possibly the most effective method of telling your spouse how much you miss them or how much you care for them…

The Honeymoon

For all those who believe that the first stage of marriage, also commonly known as the honeymoon stage is all about romance and lovey dovey stuff, here is a reality check: The first year of a marriage…

Parents During the Marriage Process

Islam holds parents in a very high status and considers ones relationship with his or her parents one of the most important relationships that one must safeguard. Allah has said in the Quran: Worship …

Chores! Chores! Chores! – The Husband Edition

Once the ‘honeymoon’ phase of a marriage is over and the reality of marriage sets in, many small issues may arise that one needs to address right away before they become larger and lead to separation …

Fathers and Daughters

Bismillah “Father, I know that we cannot choose our family, this choice is made by the Almighty and we only find out when we arrive in this world who is to be our parents. However, what I know and fee…

Marriage: The Charm of “Thank You”

Consider this scenario: A husband buys a house for his family. You ask the wife if she thanked her husband. Wife replies with a surprise, “Why is that necessary?” You answer, “Because he bought a hous…

Why Women Really Compete With Each Other

The New York Times article “Why Women Compete With Each Other” attempts to delve into the psychological reasons as to why women are infamously noted for rivaling and undercutting each other. The artic…

Is Piety the only Beauty?

One day a sister dropped by to pick up something and saw me dressed up with make-up and jewelry, so she assumed I was going somewhere. When I told her I wasn’t, the reason I dressed up surprised…

Marriage and Other Works in Progress

Author’s note: Writing on marriage always carries a certain burden of responsibility towards the audience. The writer is never sure who out there is reading under what circumstances the apparent…

His Other Wife: A Short Story

“…So give me a call, Aliyah. I think this may be the one.” Aliyah rolled her eyes as she deleted the voicemail message then pressed the “end call” button on her cell phone. Her uncle had converted to …

Arranged Marriage is not Forced Marriage

Arranged marriages are the cultural norm for (many) Muslims across the world. Men and women who are ready to get married may meet their future spouse through family or friends. Since, generally, Musli…

How To Have A Fun Wedding

The wedding industry, that beast of a machine, is built around selling you lots of PRETTY. Pick up any wedding magazine, and you’ll see page after page of dresses, centerpieces, favors, personalized e…

Divorce in Islam

Marriage, as prescribed by Allah, is the lawful union of a man and woman based on mutual consent. Ideally, the purpose of marriage is to foster a state of tranquillity, love and compassion in Islam, b…