Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 9
~ 9 ~ “O ye people! fear your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and created therefrom its mate, and from them twain spread many men and women; and fear All ā h, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and fear Him particularly respecting ties of relationship. Verily All ā h watches over you. ” (The Holy Qur’ ā n, 4:2) This is one of the verses which is always recited on the occasion of Nik āḥ (wedding) ceremony to remind the couple that so far as their status as human being is concerned, they are created from a single soul, so they are equal. No one is superior or inferior to the other. But, of course, responsibilities and obligations are different. Therefore respect and love must always be exhibited for the other partner. And, it is not possible unless there is fear of Almighty All ā h in the heart. Ḥ a ḍ rat Mirz ā Ghul ā m A ḥ mad, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, says, The relationship between husband and wife should be as between two true and sincere friends. The primary witness of a person’s high moral qualities and of his relationship with God is his wife. If his relationship with his wife is not good, it is not possible that he should be at peace with God. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of All ā h be upon him, has said, “The best of you are those who behave best towards their wives. ” (Malf ūẓā t, Vol. V, pp. 417-418) Again Almighty All ā h says in the Holy Qur’ ā n: