A daughter-in-law is not a doormat Islam is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life. It is religion in which we are encouraged to help and serve others. However, it is not a religion in which we accept being exploited. Unfortunately, there are cultural practices which oppress daughters-in-law that have no…
One of the most painful realities within many Muslim families today, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, is the interference of parents and in-laws in their children’s marriages. Whether it’s choosing a spouse, managing the relationship, or raising grandchildren, this interference often goes beyond well-meaning advice and becomes a cause of long-term damage…
What is mahr? Mahr is the obligation that the groom gives to the bride at the time of marriage. It is a sum of money or other property, which becomes payable by the husband to the wife as part of the marriage contact (nikkah). It is commanded in the Qur’an: “And give the women [upon…
Gift to the Bride The mahr is a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, which can be in the form of money, property, or any other item agreed upon by both parties. It forms an essential element of the nikkah contract, along with the wali’s consent, the couple’s consent, and the witnesses. For…
The essential components of a nikkah In order for a nikkah (the Islamic marriage contract) to be valid, certain elements are required: Consent of both parties Mutual Agreement: Both the bride and groom must agree to the marriage willingly and without any coercion. Their consent is crucial for the validity of the nikkah. Ijab and…
Limits on divorce Three pages of Surat al-Baqarah are devoted to the rules of divorce, or talaq. In Jahiliyya times, divorce was very common, but it was misused a lot, because there were no limits. Islam came to set boundaries, hudood. In Islam, divorce is permissible but it has conditions to prevent it being misused…
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the deed which will be foremost to lead a man to Jannah. He replied, “Fear of Allah and the good conduct.” Then he was asked about indulgence which will admit a man to Hell (Fire) and he answered,…
Carry the flag of truth When a couple gets married, it shows that a new generation is coming forward to carry the flag inshAllah ta’ala – the flag of leadership, the flag of carrying the truth, be beacons of light and knowledge, truthfulness and goodness in society. You waited for this very moment for a…
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) is reported to have said: “He did what one of you would do in his house. He mended sandals and patched garments and sewed.” (Adab Al-Mufrad) In another narration, Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), was asked: “What did the Prophet (peace be…
How to identify Mr or Miss Right It can be very complicated trying to find the right person to marry. Even more so if you are idealistic about it. If you are realistic, it is much easier. I can tell you from experience, that many people are too idealistic. I have a friend, who is…
Forced marriages are haram in Islam. In Islamic law, it is strictly prohibited (haram) for a father or mother to compel their son or daughter to marry someone against their will. A marriage brought about through coercion is considered religiously invalid, particularly in the case of a daughter. The right to choose a spouse is…
Understanding the deeper purpose of marriage and entering into it with the right partner Allah Almighty mentioned in Surah Nisa: But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in…
Love is the fortress for our children And among His signs that He created for you, from among yourselves mates, to dwell with them in tranquility and He put love and mercy among you. In that there are signs for those who reflect. (30:21) We all know this ayah it is recited at every…
Marriage is not a life sentence. Breaking taboos Islam is not an alien religion which puts women under threat or expects them to tolerate abuse or harm. Any abuse is haram. I am not in any way promoting or encouraging divorce, or the break up of families and upheaval of children, but if a marriage…
Marriage and Intimacy ‘Your women are a tilth for you, so go into your tilth when you like, and do good beforehand for yourselves; and fear Allah, and know that you are to meet Him, and give good news to the believers.’ (2:223) The Essence of Marriage ‘And of His signs is that He…