Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 8
~ 8 ~ Anas, may All ā h be pleased with him, narrates that some of the companions of the Holy Prophet Mu ḥ ammad (peace and blessings of All ā h be upon him) decided to be secluded from the worldly affairs. Someone said that he would not marry, and someone said that he would not sleep but keep on praying, and someone said that he would continuously keep on fasting. When this news reached the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of All ā h be upon him), he said, “What type of people are they? I observe fast and also break, I sleep and also marry. So, whoever turns away from my practice is not of me. ” (Bukh ā r ī , Kitabun-Nik āḥ ) It is marriage that fulfills the basic needs of individuals and of society. It is the cornerstone upon which the whole Muslim life is built. It is very important to have understanding about the marriage partner and to have a happy life. Otherwise life can become worse than hell. Status of Men and Women The first and foremost lesson given by Almighty All ā h to bear in mind is the equality of human race, especially men and women, and above all between husband and wife. As the Holy Qur’ ā n says,