You all know Maya Angelou?
“Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know before you learned it.”
— Maya Angelou
Marriage in Islam: A Detailed Overview
1. Definition:
Marriage (Nikah) in Islam is a solemn and sacred social contract between a man and a woman. It is not merely a physical or emotional bond but a spiritual agreement rooted in mutual consent, responsibilities, and rights. Allah describes it in the Qur’an as a source of tranquility, love (mawaddah), and mercy (rahmah):
"And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Qur’an 30:21)
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2. Importance of Marriage in Islam:
Completion of Faith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion…” (Al-Bayhaqi).
Protection of Morality: Marriage guards against sinful behavior and promotes chastity.
Family and Society: It establishes strong family units, which are the foundation of a stable and moral society.
Spiritual Growth: A righteous spouse can help in spiritual development, offering support in faith and good deeds.
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3. Key Principles of Islamic Marriage:
Mutual Consent: Both the bride and groom must willingly agree to the marriage without coercion.
Mahr (Dowry): A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, symbolizing respect and commitment. It can be material or non-material, based on mutual agreement.
Witnesses: At least two adult Muslim witnesses are required for the marriage contract to be valid.
Marriage Contract (Aqd Nikah): A formal agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of both spouses.
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4. Rights and Responsibilities:
Husband’s Duties:
Provide financial support (nafaqah), including food, clothing, and shelter.
Treat his wife with kindness, respect, and fairness.
Protect and maintain the family.
Wife’s Duties:
Respect, support, and maintain the dignity of her husband.
Manage household affairs (flexible based on mutual agreement).
Uphold loyalty and faithfulness.
Shared Responsibilities:
Mutual respect, love, and understanding.
Cooperation in raising children with strong Islamic values.
Emotional and spiritual support for one another.
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5. Do’s in an Islamic Marriage:
Communicate Honestly: Open dialogue strengthens the relationship.
Practice Patience and Forgiveness: Marriage requires compromise and understanding.
Uphold Justice: Treat each other fairly, especially in polygamous marriages (if applicable).
Seek Allah’s Guidance: Regular prayer together and involvement in each other’s spiritual growth.
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6. Don’ts in an Islamic Marriage:
No Forced Marriages: Coercion invalidates the marriage in Islam. Consent is crucial.
Avoid Harm (Darar): Emotional, physical, or psychological abuse is strictly forbidden.
Neglect of Rights: Ignoring the spouse’s basic rights and responsibilities is sinful.
No Extramarital Relationships: Islam strictly prohibits infidelity and any form of betrayal.
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7. Divorce in Islam (If Necessary):
While marriage is highly encouraged, Islam recognizes that sometimes separation (Talaq) becomes necessary. It allows divorce as a last resort, but it must be carried out with fairness, respect, and following specific guidelines. Reconciliation is always preferred before proceeding with divorce.
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8. Key Qur'anic Verses and Hadiths:
“They are garments for you, and you are garments for them.” (Qur’an 2:187) – Symbolizing protection, comfort, and intimacy.
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi) – Emphasizing kindness in marriage.
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Final Thought:
Marriage in Islam is not just a legal bond but a spiritual journey that reflects love, mercy, and companionship. It’s a partnership built on faith, respect, and the sincere intention to please Allah.
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The Dawn of a New Era: British England in the 16th Century
As the medieval period drew to a close, British England stood poised on the threshold of a new era. The 16th century, marked by significant cultural, economic, and political shifts, would forever alter the course of the nation's history.
*The Tudor Dynasty*
The 16th century saw the rise of the Tudor dynasty, which would rule England for the next 118 years. Henry VII, the first Tudor king, seized the throne in 1485, following the Battle of Bosworth Field. His son, Henry VIII, would go on to become one of the most infamous monarchs in English history, known for his six marriages and the English Reformation.
*The English Reformation*
The 16th century was a time of great religious upheaval in England. The Protestant Reformation, sparked by Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, had far-reaching consequences for the English monarchy and the Church of England. Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to the English Reformation, with the monarch declaring himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
*Cultural and Economic Developments*
The 16th century saw significant cultural and economic developments in British England. The Renaissance, which had begun in Italy, spread to England, influencing art, literature, and architecture. William Shakespeare, one of the most celebrated playwrights in English history, emerged during this period, penning iconic works such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet."
The 16th century also witnessed the growth of trade and commerce in England. The establishment of the Muscovy Company in 1555 marked the beginning of English trade with Russia, while the East India Company, founded in 1600, would go on to play a significant role in the development of the British Empire.
*Conclusion*
The 16th century was a transformative period in British England, marked by significant cultural, economic, and political developments. The Tudor dynasty, the English Reformation, and the emergence of influential figures such as William Shakespeare all contributed to the shaping of a new England, one that would go on to play a major role in world affairs. As the century drew to a close, British England stood poised on the threshold of a new era, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the 17th century.
"Spikes and Shadows"
He laced his boots with threads of spite,
A rebel heart, a flickering light,
Mohawk sharp, dyed crimson red,
Echoes of rage inside his head.
Leather jacket, patched and torn,
Symbols stitched of nights forlorn,
Chains that clattered, boots that stomped,
Through empty streets where shadows romped.
His mother wept, his father roared,
"This isn't you—you're something more!"
But "more" was chains, and "more" was loud,
A voice that shattered every crowd.
"You're lost," they said. "You'll fade away."
But fading wasn't punk rock's way.
So with a snarl and fists held tight,
He vanished deep into the night.
City lights like jagged scars,
Graffiti hymns, and broken bars,
Friends with names like Ghost and Snipe,
Living lives carved out of hype.
Yet in the echo of each show,
A shadow whispered soft and low—
Not from the crowd, not from the stage,
But stitched between his stitched-up rage.
The echoes grew, as echoes do,
“What’s freedom if it’s haunting you?”
No answers came, just static buzz,
A question left for who he was.
Years rolled on, and posters peeled,
The vinyl scratched, the anger healed.
But in his chest, beneath the ink,
A softer beat began to think.
One winter dawn, with breath like smoke,
He penned a letter, words bespoke:
"I left to find what I could be—
But lost myself to feel free."
No home he had, yet home he found,
In ink, in scars, in silent sound.
A punk, a son, a soul unbound,
Spikes and shadows, safe and proud.
POEM
It feels like l I am immersed in salt water
There sky seen unusual than it use to
The foe showing their flag at noon
The rooster crow and sprint
They do you illusion so that you doth not savour the sweet fragrance of rain.
So that you doth not relish the pleasantness of porridge.
So that you always feel like you want something you cannot describe,
Heck! Alas!