Islam and Human Rights — Page 128
Isl am and Hum an R ights 128 consider ations and not by looks, family or wealth. 65 Marriage should, through the constant experience of mutual love and tenderness between the spouses, be a source of fulfilment and peace of mind. “One of His Signs is that He has created spouses for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are Signs for a people who reflect” (30:32). The general exhortation is added: “Consort with them in kindness: for even if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something wherein Allah has placed much good” (4:20). The Prophet said: “The best of you is he who behaves best towards the members of his family”. 66 Thus repeated emphasis is laid on seeking the will and pleasure of Allah in all things and putting that before personal inclination and preferences. Despite all this, allowance is made for the frailty and changeableness of human nature. Thus it has not been sought, in Islam, to convert marriage into an indissoluble sacrament. It is in its legal aspect a civil contract in which the rights and obligations of the parties are clearly 65 Muslim I, Sect. :Giving Suck to Children. 66 lbn Maja II, Ch. :Marriage, Good Behaviour towards Women.