In the name of Him, Most Kind, Most Wise,

Who placed love where sacred ties arise.

From Nikah’s light, two souls align,

A covenant blessed, a bond divine.

Not built on gold or fleeting flame,

But faith and purpose frame its name.

For marriage, in Islam, is more

Than hearts entwined—it is a door.

A door to sakīna, peace profound,

Where love and mercy both abound.

Where each is garment to the other,

Spouse, friend, and father, mother.

The family forms the heart’s own beat,

A refuge when the world’s not sweet.

The child’s first school, the elder’s rest,

A unit where the soul is blessed.

The Prophet (peace be on his face)

Taught us love, and gentleness, and grace.

He smiled with his wives, he played with kin,

He led a home serene within.

Not just romance, but roles are shared,

With taqwā strong, and each soul cared.

She builds with patience, he leads with prayer,

Together climbing steps of care.

Children raised not just to strive,

But walk with faith, and keep it alive.

They learn from love, from how we speak,

From every hug, and how we seek—

Allāh in morning, night, and noon,

Through storms of life and times of bloom.

And as we grow, and seasons change,

The family still must not estrange.

So centre it—this sacred frame,

Not in fleeting joy or fame.

But in duʿā, in hands held tight,

In wrongs made right in soft twilight.

O Lord, let homes be lanterns high,

Reflecting stars in every sky.

Make marriage more than just a part—

Make it the hearth, the beating heart.

God created Ādam (AS) and infused him with His spirit, bringing life to the clay. Ḥawwāʾ, or Eve, emerged from Ādam and instantly attracted him. God describes our spouse as a source of peace, love, and mercy. Throughout marriage, there are mysteries to explore. One such mystery is that the wife becomes the mother of his children, acting as the soil in which he sows his seeds to cultivate trees or even forests. As they age, their physical affection evolves into a deep mutual fondness that nourishes their love and offspring. Was it not Khadīja (RA) who offered safety and solace to the Chosen One (PBUH)? Her warmth softened the weight of revelation. She illustrated that comfort is reciprocal – the wife brings joy to her husband, and he, in return, provides safety and stability. Thus, the husband and wife have different yet complementary roles and natures, but both require each other. They were, after all, created from the one by the truly One. He made us out of His love for us. It is this very love and mercy that is the glue for marriage. But what is love? God is not in need. We imitate that selflessness in our marriage. Marriage and love are about doing what makes the other happy – utter selflessness.

This is one reason why God describes spouses as garments for each other: ‘Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them…’ (2:187). They intimately beautify and conceal simultaneously. They provide loving warmth and protection while comforting. I often meet couples who misplace their marriage as a collection of rights and obligations. That is as reductive as it is destructive. I advise them instead to adopt the “selfless-garment” approach I have outlined above. It is built on compromise, sacrifice, love, and care. This way, one improves their character just as they strengthen their marriage. Remember well: a family is built upon the foundations of perfect individuals. Manners mould a mercy-filled marriage.

To further explore how to nurture a marriage built on love, mercy, and character, join our dedicated marriage course: