Marriage Tips

Some tips on maintaining a happy marriage:

1. FEAR ALLAH: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used to conscientise spouses about the fear of Allah before performing a marriage by reciting verses from the Qur’aan which speak about the Taqwa (fear) of Allah. There can be no doubt about the success of a marriage governed by the fear of Allah.

2. NEVER BE ANGRY AT THE SAME TIME: Anger is the root cause of marital dispute. One Sahaabi came to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and sought advice. He was told thrice to control his anger. (Mishkaat, P433)

3. IF ONE HAS TO WIN AN ARGUMENT, LET IT BE THE OTHER: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever discards an argument despite being correct shall earn a palace in the centre of Paradise." (Ibid, Pg 412)

4. CRITICIZE LOVINGLY: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "A Believer is a mirror for a Believer."

5. PAST MISTAKES: Never bring up the past. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever conceals the faults of others, Allah shall conceal his faults on the day of Qiyamah."

6. NEGLECT THE WORLD, NOT YOUR SPOUSE: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) confirmed the advice of Salmaan to Abu Darda (radhiallahu anhuma) for neglecting his wife. "Verily there is a right of your wife over you." (Nasai, Hadith 2391)

7. NEVER SLEEP WITH AN ARGUMENT UNSETTLED: Abu Bakr (radhiallahu anhu) resolved his dispute with his wife over feeding the guests before going to bed. (Bukhari, Hadith 602)

8. NEVER SHOUT: Luqmaan (alaihis salaam) adviced his son: "and lower your voice for verily the most disliked voice is that of a donkey." (Surah Luqmaan, Verse 19)