Preserving Marital Bonds

Beloved Friday congregation,

On this blessed day, let us renew our resolve to strengthen our taqwa within ourselves and our families. May the households built upon the foundation of taqwa bring about a life of happiness

for all.

This aligns with the supplication taught to us by Allah s.w.t. to recite as leaders of our families, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 74:

Which means: “And those who say ‘Our Lord, Give us, from our spouses and our children, comfort of eyes, and make us leaders of the God-conscious.”

My beloved brothers,

Last week, we were reminded that marriage is a form of worship that requires continuous effort from both spouses. This week, the sermon seeks to focus on the importance of resilience and closeness in the relationship between husband and wife, as they complement one another, for the Qur’an mentions in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 187:

Which means: “They (spouses) are a garmentfor you as you are for them.”

Dear brothers, Imam Jalaluddin As-Sayuthi in his book Tafsir al-Jalalayn commented on the metaphorical use of the word ‘garment’ in this verse, including the following interpretations:

First, the husband and wife are likened to a hug; a hug that symbolises love, trust, interdependence, and peace. Our spouse is the one we turn to in both joy and sorrow. This is a household founded upon the declaration: “I love you for the sake of Allah.”

Second, the husband and wife are likened to garments because they need and complete one another. They are partners in the journey of life; listening to one another, helping each other, offering support, and easing each other’s burdens in the face of life’s stresses and challenges.

Respected congregants,

How can we create and maintain a strong bond within marriage?

Allow me to share three practices that can help us become loving, intimate, and closely bonded partners, as described in the Quran:

The first practice: Communicating with respect and being a good listener.

This habit makes every word we say easier to understand, more comfortable to consider, and more readily accepted. Communication that is filled with gentleness in tone, courteous choice of words, and a voice that reflects love leaves a profound impact on our spouse. In addition, choosing the right time to convey a message is a key factor in achieving effective communication.

At the same time, we must also train ourselves to be good listeners. We should listen attentively to what is being conveyed and allow the other person to finish speaking before interjecting.

Pay attention as well to our gestures and body language such as facial expressions, hand signals, nodding, and shrugging. All these actions carry subtle meanings, even without being spoken aloud.

Rest assured that any worry, dissatisfaction, and similar concerns can disappear after just one good communication session. Both we and our spouse will feel more respected and appreciated.

Dear blessed believers,

The second practice: Sharing the responsibilities of family life.

Married life requires full effort and cooperation from both spouses. Whether it's managing household chores, raising children, or handling family finances, all of these responsibilities must be shouldered together. This sharing of responsibilities nurtures mutual appreciation and trust, while also reducing the stress that can arise if the burden of family duties falls on only one side.

Indeed, this is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Imam al-Bukhari narrates that Sayyidatina A’ishah r.a. once explained that the Prophet s.a.w would help ease the needs of his family, and when the time for prayer came, he would go out to perform it.

The third practice: Shura (consultation) in decision-making.

Shura, or mutual consultation, is one of the most important practices in married life. It allows both spouses to feel involved in decisions that concern their future. This approach reflects mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s role. It also helps to prevent misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and marital tension, thus strengthening the spousal bond and creating a more harmonious life.

Dear brothers,

As a conclusion, I humbly call upon all who hold the title of a husband to truly embody the trust that Allah has placed upon us as the head of the family.

Uphold this trust in the best manner possible, treat our families with mawaddah(love) and rahmah (mercy), and always pray to Allah that we are granted spouses and offspring who bring comfort to our eyes, and so that we may become leaders of the God-conscious people. Amin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Preserving Marital Bonds

My beloved brothers,

Respected congregants,

Dear blessed believers,

Dear brothers,

SECOND KHUTBAH