babagrr
05-19-2006, 10:05 AM
Assallaamu alaykum
In order for me to answer you, I'd like to know if you are a cultural Muslim or a Muslim.
If you are a cultural Muslim, do whatever your family tells you to do.
Tell the person that you love that it cannot be; i.e. that you two cannot get married.
Ask your parents to select someone from their clan for you to get married to and then get married, have children and die one day.
Oh, be unhappy but, keep it all inside.
Fake your smiles and for heaven-sake, if you wish to kill yourself, just do it properly.
All in the name of cultural Islam.
Now, let's take it from the viewpoint of ISLAM; not tainted with cultural myths and other misleading fassets.
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THE MUSLIM WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND
By
hkruger@huggkiss.ws
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
THE MUSLIM WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND
Marriage in Islam
In Islam, marriage is a blessed contract between a man and a woman, in which each
becomes “permitted” to the other, and they begin the long journey of life in a spirit of love, cooperation,
harmony and tolerance, where each feels at ease with the other, and finds
tranquility, contentment and comfort in the company of the other. The Qur’aan has described
this relationship between men and women, which brings love, harmony, trust and
compassion, in the most moving and eloquent terms:
(And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves,
that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between
your [hearts] . . . (Qur’aan 30:21)
This is the strongest of bonds, in which Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa) unites the two
Muslim partners, who come together on the basis of love, understanding, co-operation and
mutual advice, and establish a Muslim family in which children will live and grow up, and they
will develop the good character and behavior taught by Islam. The Muslim family is the
strongest component of a Muslim society when its members are productive and constructive,
helping and encouraging one another to be good and righteous, and competing with one
another in good works. The righteous woman is the pillar, cornerstone and foundation of the Muslim family. She is seen as the greatest joy in a man’s life, as the Prophet said:
“This world is just temporary conveniences, and the best comfort in this world is a righteous
woman.”
****
Now, let's look at the selection of one's partner in life from the Islamic perspective.
****
One of the ways in which Islam has honored woman is by giving her the right to choose her
husband. Her parents have no right to force her to marry someone she dislikes.
Many Muslim women does not know this right and are consequently forced to go in such marriages.
The reason for this is because people believe that the girl should never reject the advice and guidance of her parents when a potential suitor comes along, because they assumably have her best interests at heart, and they have more experience of life and people.
It might be that many parents do care for their daughters and that they do have their best interests at heart but if they really care about their daughters they will take their wishes in consideration and not be so cruel to disinform and pressurize those whom they claim to love.
A woman should never forego her right to choose her own husband or to at least give consent out of her own free willbecause of her father’s wishes, that may make him force his daughter into a marriage with someone she dislikes.
There are many texts that support the woman in this sensitive issue, for example the report
quoted by Imam Al-Bukhaari from al-Khansa’ bint Khidam:
“My father married me to his nephew, and I did not like this match, so I complained to the
Messenger of Allah . He said to me: ‘Accept what your father has arranged.’ I said, ‘I do
not wish to accept what my father has arranged.’ He said, ‘Then this marriage is invalid, go
and marry whomever you wish.’ I said, ‘I have accepted what my father has arranged, but I
wanted women to know that fathers have no right in their daughter’s matters (i.e. they have
no right to force a marriage on them).'”2
At first, the Prophet told al-Khansa’ to obey her father, and this is as it should be, because the concern of fathers for their daughters’ well being is well known. But when he realized that her father wanted to force her into a marriage she did not want, he gave her the freedom to choose, and saved her from the oppression of a father who wanted to force her into an unwanted marriage.
Islam does not want to impose an unbearable burden on women by forcing them to marry a
man they dislike, because it wants marriages to be successful, based on compatibility between the partners;
there should be common ground between them in terms of physical looks, attitudes, habits, inclinations and aspirations. If something goes wrong, and the woman feels that she cannot love her husband sincerely, and fears that she may commit the sin of disobeying and opposing this husband whom she does not love, then she may ask for a divorce. This is confirmed by the report in which the wife of Thabit ibn Qays ibn Shammas, Jamilah the sister of ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy, came to the Prophet and said:
“O Messenger of Allah, I have nothing against Thabit ibn Qays as regards his religion or his behavior, but I hate to commit any act of kufr when I am a Muslim. The Prophet said: “Will you give his garden back to him?” - her mahr had been a garden. She said, “Yes.” So the Messenger of Allah sent word to him: “Take back your garden, and give her one pronouncement of divorce.”3
According to a report given by Al-Bukhaari from Ibn ‘Abbas, she said,
“I do not blame Thabit for anything with regard to his religion or his behavior, but I do not like him.”
Islam has protected woman’s pride and humanity, and has respected her wishes with regard to the choice of a husband with whom she will spend the rest of her life.
It is not acceptable for anyone, no matter who he is, to force a woman into a marriage with a man she does not like.
There is no clearer indication of this than the story of Barirah, an Ethiopian slave-girl who belonged to ‘Utbah ibn Abu Lahab, who forced her to marry another slave whose name was Mughith. She would never have accepted him as a husband if she had been in control of her own affairs. ‘A’ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) took pity on her, so she bought her and set her free. Then this young woman felt that she was free and in control of her own affairs, and that she could take a decision about her marriage. She asked her husband for a divorce. Her husband used to follow her, weeping, whilst she rejected him.
Al-Bukhaari quotes Ibn ‘Abbas describing this freed woman who insisted on the annulment of her marriage to someone she did not love; the big-hearted Prophet commented on this moving sight, and sought to intervene. Ibn ‘Abbas said:
“Barirah’s husband was a slave, who was known as Mughith. I can almost see him, running after her and crying, with tears running down onto his beard. The Prophet said to ‘Abbas, ‘O ‘Abbas, do you not find it strange, how much Mugith loves Barirah, and how much Barirah hates Mughith?’ The Prophet said (to Barirah), ‘Why do you not go back to him?’ She said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, are you commanding me to do so?’ He said, ‘I am merely trying to intervene on his behalf.’ She said, ‘I have no need of him.'”4
The Prophet was deeply moved by this display of human emotion: deep and overwhelming love on the part of the husband, and equally powerful hatred on the part of the wife. He could not help but remind the wife, and ask her why she did not go back to him, as he was her husband and the father of her child. This believing woman asked him, whether he was ordering her to do so: was this a command, a binding obligation? The Prophet, this great law-giver and educator, replied that he was merely trying to intercede and bring about reconciliation if possible; he was not trying to force anybody to do something they did not wish to. Let those stubborn, hard-hearted fathers who oppress their own daughters listen to the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The Muslim woman who understands the teachings of her religion has wise and correct standards when it comes to choosing a husband. She does not concern herself just with good looks, high status, a luxurious lifestyle or any of the other things that usually attract women.
She should look into his level of religious commitment, his personality, his attitude and behavior, because these are the pillars of a successful marriage.
Islamic teaching indicates the importance of these qualities in a potential husband, as Islam obliges a woman to accept the proposal of anyone who has these qualities and the best features of a husband and towards whom she feels attracted to.
“If there comes to you one with whose religion and attitude you are satisfied, then give your
daughter to him in marriage, (if she gives consent,) for if you do not do so, fitnah and mischief will become
widespread on earth."8
Just as the true Muslim young man will not be attracted to the pretty girls who have bad characteristics, so the Muslim young woman who is guided by her religion will not be attracted to stupid “play-boy” types, no matter how handsome they may be. Rather she will be attracted to the serious, educated, believing man who is clean-living and pure of heart, whose behavior is good and whose understanding of religion is sound.
Growing up in a bad environment has nothing to do with the individual's character. Nowadays people are very close to playing judge by assessing the potential of possible men and women on the mere basis of hear-say and on account of what the family of this particular person did or because of that person's lack of worldly things.
This is not something encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad and should be avoided at all possible costs.
If we do judge young men and women on this criteria, first think about the following statement.
Abu Lahab was cursed by Allah. He was the uncle of our Prophet Muhammd (SAW) but, do we judge the Prophet (SAW) on the basis that Abu Lahab was cursed by Allah? Wouldn't that be a grievious mistake? Wouldn't that be a major sin?
Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
A man passed by the Prophet (PBUH), so he asked a man who was sitting near him, "What is your opinion about this man?'' That man replied: "He is one of the noblest men. By Allah he is certainly a proper person for (a girl) being given in marriage if he seeks to marry, and his recommendation is fit to be accepted if he recommends". Messenger of Allah (PBUH) remained silent. Then another man passed. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enquired, "What is your opinion about this man?'' He replied: "O Messenger of Allah, he is one of the poor Muslims. He is not a proper person (for a girl) to be given in marriage to, and his recommendation would not be accepted if he makes one; if he speaks, he is not to be listened to.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He is better than the former by earthfuls."
No one is a suitable partner for the good, believing woman except a good, believing man; and no one is a suitable partner for the wayward, immoral woman but a wayward, immoral man, as Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa) has said:
Women impure are for men impure, and men impure for women impure, and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity . . . (Qur’aan 24:26)
This does not mean that the Muslim woman should completely ignore the matter of physical appearance, and put up with unattractiveness or ugliness. It is her right - as stated above - to marry a man for whom her heart may be filled with love, and who is pleasing to her both in his appearance and in his conduct.
Appearance should not be neglected at the expense of inner nature, or vice versa. A woman should choose a man who is attractive to her in all aspects, one who will gain her admiration and respect. The true Muslim woman is never dazzled by outward appearances, and she never lets them distract her from seeing the essence of a potential spouse.
The Muslim woman knows that the man has the right of qiwaamah over her, as the Qur’aan says:
(Men are the protectors and maintainers [qawwaamun] of women, because Allah has given the one more [strength] than the other, and because they support them from their means . . .) (Qur’aan 4:34)
Hence, she wants to marry a man of whose qiwaamah over her she will feel proud, one whom she will be happy to marry and never regret it. She wants a man who will take her hand in his and set out to fulfill their life’s mission of establishing a Muslim family and raising a new generation of intelligent and caring children, in an atmosphere of love and harmony, which will not be impeded by conflicting attitudes or religious differences.
Believing men and believing women are supposed to walk side-by-side on the journey of life, which is a serious matter for the believer, so that they may fulfill the great mission with which Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) has entrusted mankind, men and women alike, as the Qur’aan says:
(For Muslim men and women - for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are constant and patient, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast [and deny themselves], for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise - for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.) (Qur’aan 33:35)
In order to achieve this great goal of strengthening the marriage bond, and establishing a stable family life, it is essential to choose the right partner in the first place. Among the great Muslim women who are known for their strength of character, lofty aspirations and far-sightedness in their choice of a husband is Umm Sulaym bint Milhan, who was one of the first Ansaar women to embrace Islam. She was married to Malik ibn Nadar, and bore him a son, Anas. When she embraced Islam, her husband Malik was angry with her,
and left her, but she persisted in her Islam. Shortly afterwards, she heard the news of his death, and she was still in the flower of her youth. She bore it all with the hope of reward, for the sake of Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa), and devoted herself to taking care of her ten- year-old son Anas. She took him to the Prophet, so that he could serve him (and learn from him).
One of the best young men of Madinah, one of the best looking, richest and strongest, came to seek her hand in marriage. This was Abu Talhah - before he became Muslim. Many of the young women of Yathrib liked him because of his wealth, strength and youthful good looks, and he thought that Umm Sulaym would joyfully rush to accept his offer. But to his astonishment, she told him, “O Abu Talhah, do you not know that your god whom you worship is just a tree that grew in the ground and was carved into shape by the slave of Banu so-andso.” He said, “Of course.” She said, “Do you not feel ashamed to prostrate yourself to a piece of wood that grew in the ground and was carved by the slave of Banu so-and-so?” Abu
Talhah was stubborn, and hinted to her of an expensive dowry and luxurious lifestyle, but she persisted in her point of view, and told him frankly: “O Abu Talhah, a man like you could not be turned away, but you are a disbelieving man, and I am a Muslim woman. It is not permitted for me to marry you, but if you were to embrace Islam, that would be my dowry (mahr), and I would ask you for nothing more.”6 He returned the following day to try to tempt her with a larger dowry and more generous gift, but she stood firm, and her persistence and maturity only enhanced her beauty in his eyes. She said to him, “O Abu Talhah, do you not know that your god whom you worship was carved by the carpenter slave of so-and-so? If you were to set it alight, it would burn.” Her words came as a shock to Abu Talhah, and he asked himself, "Does the Lord burn?" Then he uttered the words: “Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul- Allah.” Then Umm Sulaym said to her son Anas, with joy flooding her entire being, “O Anas, marry
me to Abu Talhah.” So Anas brought witnesses and the marriage was solemnized. Abu Talhah was so happy that he was determined to put all his wealth at Umm Sulaym’s disposal, but hers was the attitude of the selfless, proud, sincere believing woman. She told him, “O Abu Talhah, I married you for the sake of Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa), and I will not take any other dowry.”9
She knew that when Abu Talhah embraced Islam, she did not only win herself a worthy husband, but she also earned a reward from Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa) that was better than owning red camels (the most highly-prized kind) in this world, as she had heard the Prophet say:
“If Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa) were to guide one person to Islam through you, it is better for you than owning red camels.”7
Such great Muslim women are examples worthy of emulation, from whom Muslim women
may learn purity of faith, strength of character, soundness of belief and wisdom in choosing a husband.
It is very important to note here that men should also take advice from these exemplorary women in choosing a partner.
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