Pathway to Paradise — Page 54
PATH WAY TO PARADISE 54 hospitality but has cautioned Muslims against extravagance in marital celebrations. RELATIONSHIP OF HUSBAND AND WIFE IN THE MARRIAGE BOND Here again, you will find that Islam provides guidance for every aspect of family life. The role of husband and wife are clearly defined so that each knows what is expected of them. Islam views marriage as an equal partnership between two people, by which they can gain Allah’s pleasure through mutual cooperation, trust, respect and faithfulness. If you adhere to the following guidelines laid down by Allah, you will be able to enjoy a successful partnership. Each partner in the marriage has been assigned a particular role. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “He said, our Lord is He Who gave unto everything its proper form and then guided it to its proper function. ” (20:51) Accordingly, man has been assigned to working outside the home as the breadwinner because of his greater physical strength and psychological abilities; likewise woman is physiologically and emotionally suited to bearing children and has been made responsib le for their upbringing and maintaining the home. To ensure the smooth running of the partnership, one partner has been put in charge. Allah has appointed the husband to act as a “guardian” over his wife (see Holy Qur’an, 4:35). This