SOMEONE ONCE said that marriage is like a bath-tub full of water; it starts out hot and enjoyable and ends up cold and miserable.
Islam advocates excellent character in all aspects of life, marriage included. If we follow even some of the guidelines laid down by our Holy Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa sallam), marital bliss will become a reality and the bath-tub story can become redundantTHE PROPHET (sallallahu alahi wa sallam) said that among the most perfect Believers are those who are best in character and kindness to their wives.
There exists a disturbing trend in the Muslim community where wives are abused and generally ill-treated by their husbands. Is this Islamic?
Marriage ought to be a bond of holy love between spouses. Apparently mundane acts like lifting a morsel of food to the wife’s mouth have been given the significance of acts of worship.
It was part of the noble character of the Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa sallam) to engage in light-hearted talk with his wives. He once told Hazrat Aisha (radhiallahu anha) a story about eleven women who were speaking about their husbands. When he concluded, he said to her that, “I am to you like Abu Zara’ was to Umme Zara’.” Umme Zara’ had been treated with great love by her husband Abu Zara’ and she praised him even after he divorced her. The Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa sallam) is reported to have added, “Except that he (Abu Zara’) had divorced her but I will not divorce you.”
A MAN IS rewarded for even a drink of water he presents to his wife. The mercy of Allah Ta’ala cascades on a couple when the husband looks at his wife with love and pleasure and she returns it.
When he holds her hand with love their sins fall from the gaps between their clasped fingers. Hazrat Abu Huraira (radhiallahu anh) said, “Allah loves a man who caresses his wife. Both of them are rewarded because of this loving attitude and their earning is increased”.
THIS HOLY BOND of love which a husband is obliged to foster does not permit a pious husband to howl and scowl at his wife. He should engender pleasantness in the home, thus inviting Allah Ta’ala’s mercy.
The recipe for a happy marriage is contained in the Qur’aan and blessed Sayings of the Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa sallam). Who is there to take it and try it out?
