Secrets to a Successful Marriage

Marriage is a divine institution and a gift from God. For every believer, the commitment of marriage is, first, a pact with God and, second, a pact with one’s spouse. It is a serious commitment in which one’s emotional, physical and spiritual needs are fulfilled according to God’s injunctions. It also celebrates and regulates the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Yet, notwithstanding the deep spiritual implications of marriage, never before has this institution come under such a grave threat. According to the author of the book under review, the divorce rate amongst Muslims in the UK, as reported by the Shariah Council, is around 40%. Consequently, people around the world are suffering the devastating effects of dysfunctional family life, broken marriages, divorce, domestic violence and mediation. In the Muslim world, people take marriage for granted; they often fail to realize its lofty ideals. It is therefore significant in such a context to understand the issues and problems that cause the breakup of marriage and, at the same time, to offer suitable solutions: proper counselling, guidance to married couples as well as to parents of would-be brides and bridegrooms.