Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 20
~ 20 ~ finding a life partner for the child, their help and guidance is direly needed. They have to play a vital role in arranging the marriage of their children on time and in a most appropriate manner. According to the Isl ā mic Law, there is no room for dating or having premarital relations. It is the parents who take most of the responsibilities to look for a suitable match for their children. Living in the western society, sometimes children are not aware of how critical is the participation and role of the parents in arranging a suitable partner for them. Children sometimes think that they are mature enough to search for suitable spouse for themselves, but they do not realize that their parents are their best well-wishers, and that they have a great personal experience of married life accompanied with their experience of married lives within their families and acquaintances. They would never think of ruining the lives of their children. So, the children must have trust in their parents in this regard. Critical examination shows that arranged marriages are the most successful marriages in the society. The concept of arranged marriages is misunderstood in the western society. People think that whatever match is suggested by the parents for the children, especially for the daughters, the children must accept that match blindly. Unfortunately sometimes it happens so. But it is entirely wrong. Arranged marriages mean that the parents assist their children in finding a suitable match, but it is up to the children to accept the suggested match or not. Seeing of Each Other For Marriage Before the marriage, boys and girls are not allowed to have private meetings. They can meet only in the presence of their parents or elders. Such meetings are allowed only after other formalities have been accomplished.