Married Ever After

Shaikh Ali Ihsan Hammuda is a UK national of Palestinianorigin. He gained bachelors and masters' degrees in Architecture & Planningfrom the University of the West of England, before achieving a BA in Shari'ahfrom al-Azhar University in Egypt. He is currently based in Wales and is avisiting Imām at Al-Manar Centre in Cardiff, and also a senior researcher andlecturer for the Muslim Research & Development Foundation in London. ShaykhAli is the author of several books including 'The Daily Revivals', 'The TenLanterns' and 'The Friday Reminder'. He delivers sermons, lectures and regularclasses across the country.

• IntroductionMarriage and your life's purposeAt a glance: what is marriage?As you approach marriage1.On setting intentions“And I did not create the jinn and man except so that they may worship Me."2.On aligning perspectives“And they have taken from you a firm covenant."3.On selecting criteria“Give to marriage the free singles among you, as well as the righteous of your bondmen and bondwomen…"4.On understanding differences“And the male is not like the female."As you strengthen your marriage5.On inviting love and mercy“And He has placed between you affection and mercy."6.On mutual consultation“And if they both desire weaning through mutual agreement from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them…"7.On working together“Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression…"8.On honourable treatment“Treat them fairly…"9.On just leadership“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women…"10.On the beauty of gratitude“And when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you…'"As you navigate challenges11.On overlooking with wisdom“He made known part of it and ignored a part."12.On reconciling with sincerity“And reconciliation is best."13.On seeking relief in Allah“And whoever fears Allah – He will make his matters easy for him."14.On disciplining emotions “And those who control their anger…"15.On exercising mercy“And those who pardon others…"16.On returning to Divine solutions“Then return it back to Allah and His Messenger if you believe in Allah and the Last Day."17.On remembering the goodness“And do not forget the graciousness between you."As you dissolve the marriage18.On preparing for unexpected outcomes“You never know – perhaps Allah will bring about a new situation."19.On parting ways with decency“But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will compensate both of them from His abundance."20.On being mindful of Allah's limits“And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself…"Conclusion