Marriage in Islam is a life time of commitment, love and understanding. But we must remember that an entire lifetime is a very long time. You can only begin to see the end when the path to the beginning is clear and that is what Allah has asked us to do when we marry. Incidentally, while the beginning to the institution of marriage is the most important, it is also the hardest.
Just like any relationship, marriage too has its share of uncertainties in the beginning and that is why it is difficult for two people of different personalities to adjust. But Allah has said in the Quran about marriage that:
“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. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:21)
The tranquility, love and mercy that Allah talks about will eventually enter the marriage. However, the condition is that both the spouses show patience and understanding with each other. Just like we panic a little at the start of a tough exam but relax a bit when we find we know the answers to most questions, in the same way we may find it difficult to adjust to our marriage in the beginning but as time passes we will encounter it with strength. Spouses are recommended to seek Allah’s guidance in the beginning of their marriage. With great faith, prayer and diligence towards Allah, this start of your marriage will go smoothly and you will see your path to happiness much clearer.
Always remember, the beginning is the hardest because Allah is testing you to see if you have the courage to persevere. That is why Allah has proclaimed divorce as one of the most disliked allowed things for Muslims. It is because Allah wants us to go on. Allah wants us NOT to give up. Allah understands and we must too, that the beginning is the hardest yet it is that which makes our marital relationship the strongest!
