MARRIAGES EVERLASTING HAPPINESS
Further Reading:
Qualities to look for in a Partner
The Wedding (Poem)
Nikah in Islam (Book)
Guidance for the Muslim Wife (Book)
Etiquettes of Marital Relations (Book)
INTRODUCTION
A happy and successful marriage is a necessary goal for anyone who is either already married or is thinking about it. Building the family is essential for the complete establishment of our religion Islam, as the family is the cornerstone of the social structure. A successful and purposeful marriage is the indispensable foundation of this cornerstone.
MARRIAGE IN ISLAM
When Islam came with guidance for mankind, it came with a complete and comprehensive legal system.
Allah says in the Holy Quraan :
Today, I have perfected for you your religion. In Islam, there is a solution for any legal problem. Hazrat Abu Zarr 
says
The Prophet 
left us with such knowledge that even if a bird changed course in the sky we have already been given signs for it. ( Musnad-e-Ahmed )
Married life, like other issues, has been given its due share of legislation and Islam has tackled all its aspects such that it makes for a happy and prosperous life.
A GOOD CHOICE
Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet said:
A woman is married for one of four reasons: for her beauty, her wealth, her genealogy or her faith. So be successful with a woman of faith. May Allah bless you. ( Bukhari )
No one disagrees that the right choice has to be made. The issue is what constitutes a good choice.
Many people give importance to beauty, wealth and genealogy. This is fine except when they are given priority over faith. Faith is the most important criterion in the choice of a spouse. Just as men are advised to make a good choice for a bride, the parents or guardians of the girl should also consider the right choice for their daughter.
It is disappointing that people ask many questions about how much a man earns and what kind of house he will provide for his wife but do not care to ask about the state of his faith. The principle in marriage is faith. The Prophet said :
When a man whose character and faith you like approaches you ( for marriage) then marry him. If you do not then there will be great trials and widespread disruption on earth. ( Tirmizi )
When looking for a good choice, the family of the spouse-to-be should also be considered. Sometimes, the family of the spouse may influence their children so much that they can break up the marriage.
MUTUAL ADVICE
This plays a very big role in the development of marriage and the household in general. Spouses should advise one another and even take account of and check one another. It is a mistake to think that this role is reserved for the husband and the wife should tolerate the mistakes of the husband. Each should point out, with affection, the mistakes of the other and each should accept their own faults.
TRUE LOVE BETWEEN THE COUPLE
Marriage cannot be successful without this. Although this is an issue which does not follow any rationale, each spouse should at least express love towards the other. The Holy Prophet Muhammad used to offer words of love and affection towards His wives. We should follow Him and not be shy or reluctant about the matter.
MAY ALMIGHTY ALLAH MAKE MUSLIM MARRIAGES A MEANS OF LONG LASTING HAPPINESS FOR THE COUPLE AND THEIR
FAMILIES
AMEEN. www.inter-islam.org
