Chapter 1

PREFACE

Thegreatestdesireofallyoungmenandwomenwho reachthe ageof
puberty is to marry. Through the establishment of a joint maritallife,
theywould earnmoreindependence,aswellashaveakindandtrust-
worthypartner.Theyregardmarriageasthebeginningoftheirlivesof
prosperity.

Manhasbeencreatedforwomanandviceversa.Theyareattractedto
eachotherlikemagnets.Marriageandestablishingajointlifeisanatural
desireofhumanbeingsrespondingtotheirinstincts.Itisconsideredone
ofthegreatestDivineblessings.Infactwhereelsecouldonefindabetter
shelterfortheyouththanasincerefamilyunit?Itisthedesireofraising
afamilywhichpreservestheyouthfrompursuingirrationaldreamsand
internal anxieties. The marital union enables them to find a kind and
faithful partner who could share the hard and difficult times.

The sacredmaritalcovenant isaDivine ropewhich linksthe hearts,
calmsthemwhenthey becomeunsettledandfocusesirrationaldreams
ononeidealgoal.The houseisthe centreof love,kindnessandfriend-
ship, whereby it is the best place to relax and live comfortably. The
Almighty Allah mentions this blessing in the Holy Qur'an:

"And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from
yourselvesthatyoumayfindrestinthemandHeputbetweenyoulove
andcompassion;mostsurelytherearesignsinthisforapeoplewhore-
flect." (30:21)

The Prophet (SA)of Islam stated:"A manwho is not married, even
thoughhemaybewealthyissurelypoorandneedy;andthesameistrue
for a woman."