Saturday, February 5, 2011

Tips to a Better Marriage

Bismillah Arahman Arraheem

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect" 
(Al-Qur'an 30: 21).

I have listed some rules that may benefit those seeking an Islamic
marriage, as well as, those who are already married. I do not pretend to be an expert of any kind.MashaAllaah, I have learned what I know and experienced. I muddled my way through much of my 22 years of marriage, and consider myself a graduate from the 'school of hard knocks' ^_^. Alhamdulillah!!!

The rules are:

1. Be conscious of your physical appearance. No one was more conscious of this than the Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam. His Sulmah reflects keen attention to personal hygiene and good grooming. He kept himself strong and
muscular. Most likely the first aspect of you that attracted your mate was your appearance, so don't think that simply because you are married the task is over. You can't hide a weight problem under Thawbs' (dress) and long Khimars' (veils). Your mate knows. Be aware that you live in a society that places a high premium on physical appearance. It flaunts the shapely female and her muscular counterpart. Temptations that beckon non-Muslims beckon Muslims as
well. Don 't allow your mate to get side-tracked by the likes of a 'Raquel Welch or an Arnold Schwarzenegger'. Jog, join a gym, roller skate, swim and stay in shape. Insha' Allah, you will be more vibrant, more radiant, and more attractive to your mate.


 2. Be a companion to your mate. Try to show enthusiasm for your spouse's interests and hobbies. It is well-known that the Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam would run races with 'Ayesha Radhi allahu Anha. By all means try to involve your mate in your
interests.


 3. Be active in Islamic community life. This will strengthen your
commitment to Islam while providing you wish a wholesome social
outlet. Encourage your spouse to engage in activities that promote Islam. Have dinners at your home for Muslims as well as non-Muslims, and don't neglect your relatives. These activities will indirectly enhance the quality of your marriage through widening your circle of
activity and contacts.


4. Admit your mistakes and have a forgiving, generous attitude when your mate errs. This country is a difficult place to live in. Most Muslims fall short of the Islamic ideal. Contradictions abound. Be quick to admit your shortcomings and work to amend them. Be understanding when your mate does not live up to the Islamic ideal and gently try to motivate him or her in the right direction.

5. Have a sense of humour. Be able to chuckle at life's minor

aggravations.


6. . Be modest when around members of the opposite sex. Do not try to
test your spouse's affection by feigning interest in another. This will only cause dissension and bad feelings.

7. Share household duties. Brothers, take note. This is especially
  important these days when women work outside the home. The Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam always helped his wives around the house and even mended his own clothes. Who knows? You might find you actually like preparing the
evening meal or taking care of junior so your wife can have the afternoon off. The Messenger of Allah Alayhi salatu wa salam said, "The most perfect of the believers in faith is the best of them in moral excellence, and the best of you are the kindest of you to their wives" (at-Tirmidhi).



8. Surprise each other with gifts. Treat her to an evening out alone, away from the children. There are no words to describe the lift this can give to a marriage.





9. Communicate your feelings to one another, good and bad. Tell him how handsome he looks. Where there is disagreement, have an open discussion. Don ' t collect red stamps. Nip it in the bud .

10. Live within your means. Stay away from credit cards if you can.Sisters, take note. Don't envy the possessions of your friends, and belittle your husband because he can't provide them for you. Muslim couples will do well to stay away from ostentatious living. The Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam did not live this way, neither should you.


11.  Respect your mate's need for privacy. A quiet time to oneself, either at home or away from home, each day can make a disagreeable person agreeable.

12. Don 't share personal problems with others. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but if you must discuss personal problems, make sure it is with a person in whom you have the utmost confidence.
If you have a learned Muslim brother or sister in your community, seek him or her out first.

13. Be sensitive to your mate's moods. If you want to share a personal achievement, don't do it when your spouse is 'down in the dumps '. Wait for the proper time.

You may be saying to yourself, "This is easier said than done." Well, you're right. A successful marriage doesn't just happen. It's not simply a matter of luck or finding the right person. It takes hard work and determination. It means being
selfless and making mistakes. It means having vengeance on your mind
  but forgiveness in your heart. But, then, its perfection is "half of faith".


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Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the
comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead
righteous. Qur'an 25:74

"The whole world is an asset and the best asset is a good
wife" (Muslim)

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates
from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity
with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect" (30: 21).

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