Introduction

The sanctity of marriage has been made very clear in Islam. At the time of marriage husband and wife make a strong covenant before God to enter into this contract with love and obedience to Him, which should be guarded and nurtured to the very best of our ability. The Holy Prophet(sa) has said:

“When a man has married he has fulfilled one half of his religion.”1

As Muslims, we are most fortunate to have such clear guidance on our responsibilities and our conduct in marriage as we do from the Holy Qur’an and in the beautiful and loving practice of the Holy Prophet(sa). As Ahmadis, we are especially blessed and fortunate to have these teachings brought to life again by the Imam of the Latter Days, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian and his Khulafa, in ways that we can understand and integrate in our day to day interactions. It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to introduce this book, which is a collection of carefully chosen excerpts, sermons and an address to Lajna given by our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) on the subject of marriage and how to live in harmony with one’s spouse and in-laws, by following which we may experience the peace and security promised to us through Khilafat.

You will see that the book is sectioned into topics to facilitate access to issues that may concern us. May Allah bless the diligent work of those who compiled it, namely National Secretary Tarbiyat, Dr. Aziza Rahman and her team of helpers: Sadia Rahman, Mubarika Sadiq, Mujdah Sadiq, Zeenat Dar, Saliha Dar, Ayesha Maham, Atiqa Mateen, Sadiqa Malik, Qudsia Lone, Sarah Ammar, Aysha Rahman, Shazia Sohail, Mariam Rahman, Bushra Salam Bajwa, Dr. Amtul R. Ahmad and Sadiqa Mian.

It is my humble prayer that this collection of our beloved Huzoor's(aba) thoughtful direction, wisdom and guidance will enable us all to find that longed-for peace and happiness that every woman desires from her marriage and home environment. May we be reminded to enter our relationships with prayerfulness, Taqwa (love of Allah and fear of losing His love), truthfulness and honesty, and with patience and forgiveness so that we may be a true source of peace and contentment for our spouse and family members and so that we may be the recipients of Allah’s Grace as the Holy Qur’an describes:

“And one of His Signs is this, that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are Signs for a people who reflect.”2

Saliha Malik
Sadr Lajna Ima’illah, USA
January 2017