In love’s soft whisper, truth is found,
Not just in rings or vows profound.
Prepare the heart, refine the soul,
Before you seek to make love whole.

It’s not the dress, the feast, the flair,
But how you love, how much you care.
Marriage—a path to God’s delight,
Where service makes the journey right.

Don’t wait for stars to all align,
For hearts to beat in perfect time.
If love is pure and purpose true,
Then let your faith guide you.

Delay can seed a field with doubt,
Where once was hope, weeds may sprout.
But trust in God, and take the stride,
With prayer and wisdom as your guide.

So ask not when, but ask Him how—
To bless your union here and now.
Marriage is not just for two,
It’s a pledge to God in all you do.

Marriage promises eternal companionship. What does this mean? Many of us dedicate excessive time to wedding preparations, often overlooking the importance of nurturing a lasting partnership. Ideally, this groundwork should begin long before we seek a spouse. It involves reflecting on and shaping ourselves for success: the pleasure of God. Although we often refer to this as personal development, this term can be misleading, as it implies a focus on self-interest. In Islam, which emphasises a life dedicated to serving God and His creations, true fulfilment comes from selflessness. Therefore, when we choose to marry, it is ultimately a commitment to serve our partner and please God.

In our course on marriage, we discuss the steps to prepare for that lifelong commitment. Marriage courses are an essential starting point. When I am often asked to perform a nikāḥ, I frequently inquire whether the couple has engaged in training to understand what to expect. I see this as my duty of care. Like anything else, we must know what we are committing to. If I am considering purchasing an item, it would be wise to research, ask friends, and seek reviews on the ideal product before committing. Similarly, seek out friends and relatives who are married and find out what worked for them. And what didn’t. Their guidance will reassure you and support you, making you feel more confident in your decision. We learn from the cumulative experiences of others.

Now you are ready. What’s next? I advise people to consider getting married as soon as possible. Why delay without a valid reason? Parents, why do you postpone your child’s marriage? Of course, each person has their circumstances. The guiding principle, I believe, is whether marriage will enhance your spiritual ascent to God? By remaining unmarried, will it lead you to sin? Friends, be sincere in your intention for marriage: to draw closer to Allah. Once you find your spouse, get married. Delay and distance lead to doubt and mistrust. I have encountered cases that break down simply because of unnecessary delays. Therefore, the importance of early marriage cannot be overstated. Once you have made a decision, trust in God. Marry to please Him, the Exalted, who is the Uniter of Hearts, and to follow the ways of the Prophets, may God’s peace and blessing be upon all of them. Prepare well and your chances of success will be optimised.