Marrying overseas

Many Muslims for a variety of reasons have ventured into getting married across borders and cultures in many different scenarios. This has worked for many people and has been a disaster for others. We have looked into this matter and have found the success and failure factors in these marriages. To dig deeper into this topic we have to separate […]

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Courting according to Islam

Please understand the following principles as many people take them lightly and make many mistakes. Please read this brief explanation of each section but if more information is needed please research the topic further. Proposing or Approaching First step is to propose to the family or the sister directly. In Arabic the word for this is “khitbah”, known to us […]

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The Islamic Marriage Contract

The marriage (Nikah) contract is a very important element in finalizing the marriage and making a man and a woman lawful for each other. This is probably one of the biggest if not the biggest contract you will ever sign. This is a contract with which you take on a life partner and a start of a family. There are […]

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Etiquettes of Intimacy

Below is a brief explanation of etiquette’s related to intimacy in Islam. Each one of these headings has a lot more information so if you are unclear on any specific matter please do further research regarding the matter. 1. Private Setting The first important thing to remember is that the couple should be in a private room, with doors closed […]

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My In-laws are ….?

It’s amazing that as soon as you mention the word, only ill thoughts come to most people. This topic was previously viewed in a positive light as it strengthened family ties but unfortunately today it is considered negatively in both Muslim and non-Muslim circles. How did these issues develop within our family system and how did this negative stigma make […]

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3 Traits in Marriage That Also Make you a Better Muslim

Islam is a religion of peace and love. Its no surprise to Muslims that there are many acts of love that are encouraged by Islam, and that will get you closer to Allah. Here is a lists of 3 things to do in your marriage that also make you a better Muslim. Be loving and caring Love is the language […]

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Prince Charming here, but I’m not an M.D.

“Sunni Arab Muslim parents invite correspondence for their daughter, 23, beautiful, very fair skinned, slim, educated, religious. Prefer doctor/surgeon/dentist/MD resident. Non-physicians need not apply; lawyers OK. Send picture and resume to CaliforniaGirl@marriage.com.” Faced with outrageous matrimonial requests like these, Jamal* believes he stands no chance in his mission to find a wife. At 24, Jamal has already met two girls […]

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Question of the Week: Why is Divorce So High Amongst Young Muslim Couples?

Asalamu alaykum, I’m struggling to deal with this one as it is almost at a chronic level. I’m thinking that an association towards the ease and sustainment of marriage should be established (at least on a local level). A course could be given over a two weekend period that covers the fiqh and social aspects of marriage. If one passes, […]

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Hurt by Others: How to Cope and Heal

When I was growing up, the world was a perfect place. The only problem was, that it wasn’t. I used to believe that everything could always be ‘fair’. To me that meant no one should ever be wronged, and if they were, justice must be served. I fought hard for the way I believed things should be. But in my […]

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50 Things You Need to Know About Marital Relationships

Excerpted from Al Maghrib Institute’s “Fiqh of Love” seminar with Shaykh Waleed Basyouni. Great relationships don’t just happen; they are created. You have to work at it. If your job takes all of your best energy, your marriage will suffer. One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is your own happiness. It is possible to love and […]

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