Divine Advice:
Is Your Marriage Complete?

"Whoever has married has completed half of his religion," said Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Bayhaqi).

Marriage brings joy and bliss. It is also a most demanding training ground of faith.

By claiming marriage to be 'half the religion' the Blessed Prophet was not making an idle statement. When a human couple strives hard to get their marriage and family right in the eyes of God, they are indeed well on the road to Paradise.

For it is love which makes a marriage--not a soppy, sentimental kind of romantic dream, but the sort of love which will roll up its sleeves and get stuck into the mess; the sort of love which will hang on to you when everyone else has turned against you.

(Source: The Muslim Marriage Guide by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood, p. 7-8)

The Fundamentals of a Fulfilling Marriage

By Shahina Siddiqui

Faith: The most basic and essential attribute of a Muslim marriage is the common faith that binds the couple.

Since Islam is a way of life and not just a religion confined to weekly worship it becomes an integral part of a Muslim's life. The frame of reference shared by the couple eases communication and sharing of values which is not possible in an interfaith marriage. It is highly recommended that faith play an important role in the developing a loving relationship.

For example, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, that when a husband feeds his wife, he gets a reward for this act and Allah increases the bond of love between them. So when we love each other for the sake of Allah WE ACTUALLY INCREASE OUR FAITH.

18 Tips to Simplify Your Spending
By Samana Siddiqui

The simplicity movement has swept across America. People are sick of the rat race-the fast-paced, stressful culture that has developed. They want to kick back, relax and live simpler, much less complicated lives.

Sadly, Muslims are not immune from the rush for the material trappings of modern society. Here are are some tips to help you simplify your life's material side, and see the bigger picture. Read More >

People in North America work longer hours than in any other industrialized country. Despite fewer people per household, the size of homes continues to expand rapidly. Advertisements fill our eyes every minute—in schools, bathrooms, on food, on buses and even in the sky. They compel us to consume, consume and consume, regardless of what we own or earn.

What are the consequences of this compulsive consumer lifestyle? Read More >

A Sample Budget for a Muslim Family

The following budget form is largely based on information from a pre-marriage program developed for married Muslim couples by Muslim counselor Shahina Siddiqui, executive director of the Winnipeg, Canada-based Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA). Read More >

Domestic Violence Hurts Muslims Too: Stop the Hurt Now
By Dr. Aneesah Nadir

Three to four million women are beaten annually and every 15 seconds a woman is abused in her home. One reaction may be, "that's a tragedy that doesn't effect Muslim families." But it does.

While research on the prevalence of family violence among Muslims is just beginning, Imams, community leaders and social workers across North America confirm that Muslim women, children and men are being affected by this devastating social problem. Read More >