Tips for a Better Husband and Wife Relationship

Joanna-Aisha

Junior Member
:salam2::hijabi:

I've read this on one forum for Muslimahs :) and I love it :)

Tips for a Better Husband and Wife Relationship
By Ibrahim Bowers

Although many Muslims may right now be in failing marriages and on a fast track to divorce and its terrible consequences, there are many ways to put their marriage back on the right track if the husband and wife are sincere in their desire to reconcile. The following principles can be used by Muslims whose marriages are already in trouble or by Muslims who would like to avoid trouble in their marriage.

Examples of Negative elationship of Husband & Wife

Many Muslim husbands and wives treat each other like adversaries rather than partners. The husband feels that he is the boss, and whatever he says goes. The wife feels that she must squeeze everything she can out of her husband. Some wives never show their husband that they are satisfied with anything he does or buys for them in order to trick him into doing and buying more. They make him feel like a failure if he does not give them the lifestyle that their friends and families enjoy. Some husbands speak very harshly to their wives, humiliate them, and even physically abuse them. Their wives have no voice or opinion in the family.

Marriage In The Eyes of Allah

It is very sad that this relationship which Allah (SWT) has established for the good has been made a source of contention, deception, trickery, tyranny, humiliation, and abuse. This is not the way marriage is supposed to be.

Allah (SWT) described marriage very differently in the Holy Quran: '. . . He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts) . . . " (Holy Quran 30:21, Yusuf Ali Translation).

Do not be a Tyrant

Regardless of whether or not Islam has made the husband the head of the household, Muslims are not supposed to be dictators and tyrants. We are taught to treat our wives well. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was reported to have said: 'The most perfect Muslim in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives" (From Mishkat al-Masabih, No. 0278® Transmitted by Tirmidhi).

Be Partners in the Decision Making Process.

Follow the principle of 'Shura," and make decisions as a family. There will be much more harmony in the family when decisions are not imposed and everyone feels that they had some part in making them.

Never be Emotionally

Never be emotionally, mentally, or physically abusive to your spouse. The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) never mistreated his wives. He is reported to have said: 'How could they beat their women in daytime as slaves and then sleep with them in the night?"

Be Careful of Your Words

Be very careful what you say when you are upset. Sometimes you will say things that you would never say when you were not angry. If you are angry, wait until you calm down before continuing the conversation.

Show Affection

Show affection for your mate. Be kind, gentle, and loving.

Be Your Spouse's Friend

Show interest in your mate's life. Too often, we live in the same house but know nothing about each other's lives. It would be great if the husband and wife could work together for the same cause or on the same project. They could perhaps establish a husband/wife prison ministry, take care of orphans in their home, or lead an Islamic weekend class.

Show Appreciation

Show appreciation for what your spouse does for the family. Never make your husband feel that he is not doing good enough for the family or that you are not satisfied with his work or his efforts, unless, of course, he is truly lazy and not even trying to provide for the family. The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was reported to have said: 'On the Day of Judgment, God will not look upon the woman who has been ungrateful to her husband." (where is this hadith found) Show your wife that you appreciate her. If she takes care of the house and the children, don't take it for granted. It is hard work, and no one likes to feel unappreciated.

Work Together in the House

The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) is known to have helped his wives in the house. And if the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was not above doing housework, modern Muslim husbands shouldn't feel that they are.

Communication is Important

Communication, Communication, Communication! This is the big word in counseling. And it should be. Husbands and wives need to talk to each other. It is better to deal with problems early and honestly than to let them pile up until an explosion occurs.

Forget Past Problems

Don't bring up past problems once they have been solved.

Live Simply

Don't be jealous of those who seem to be living a more luxurious life than your family. The 'rizq" is from Allah (SWT). In order to develop the quality of contentment, look at those people who have less than you, not those who have more. Thank Allah (SWT) for the many blessings in your life.

Give Your Spouse Time Alone

If your mate doesn't want to be with you all the time, it doesn't mean he or she doesn't love you. People need to be alone for various reasons. Sometimes they want to read, to think about their problems, or just to relax. Don't make them feel that they are committing a sin.

Admit Your Mistakes

When you make a mistake, admit it. When your mate makes a mistake, excuse him or her easily. If possible, never go to sleep angry with each other.

Physical Relationship is Important

Be available to your mate sexually, and don't let your sexual relationship be characterized by selfishness. The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was reported to have said: 'It is not appropriate that you fall upon your wives like a beast but you must send a message of love beforehand."

Have Meals Together

Try to eat together as a family when possible. Show the cook and the dishwasher, whether it is the husband or the wife, appreciation for his or her efforts. The Prophet (SAWS) did not complain about food that was put before him.

Be Mindful of Your discussion Topics

Never discuss with others things about your marriage that your spouse wouldn't like you to discuss, unless there is an Islamic reason to do so. Some husbands and wives, believe it or not, complain to others about their mate's physical appearance. This is a recipe for disaster. Information about your intimate relations should be kept between you and your spouse.

Many of us treat our spouses in ways that we would never treat others. With others, we try to be polite, kind, and patient. With our spouses, we often do not show these courtesies. Of course, we are usually with our spouses at our worst times --- when we are tired and frustrated after a hard day. After a bad day at the office, husbands usually come home angry and on edge. The wife has probably also had a hard day with the children and the housework. Wives and husbands should discuss this potential time bomb so that if they are short-tempered with each other during these times, they will understand the reasons rather than automatically thinking that their spouse no longer loves them.

Good marriages require patience, kindness, humility, sacrifice, empathy, love, understanding, forgiveness, and hard work. Following these principles should help any marriage to improve. The essence of them all can be summed up in one sentence: Always treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated. If you follow this rule, your marriage will have a much greater chance for success. If you discard this rule, failure is just around the corner.

By Ibrahim Bowers
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

:ma:

:salam2:
 

Robab

daughter of Adam
wonderful discription

:salam2::hijabi:

I've read this on one forum for Muslimahs :) and I love it :)

Tips for a Better Husband and Wife Relationship
By Ibrahim Bowers

Although many Muslims may right now be in failing marriages and on a fast track to divorce and its terrible consequences, there are many ways to put their marriage back on the right track if the husband and wife are sincere in their desire to reconcile. The following principles can be used by Muslims whose marriages are already in trouble or by Muslims who would like to avoid trouble in their marriage.

Examples of Negative elationship of Husband & Wife

Many Muslim husbands and wives treat each other like adversaries rather than partners. The husband feels that he is the boss, and whatever he says goes. The wife feels that she must squeeze everything she can out of her husband. Some wives never show their husband that they are satisfied with anything he does or buys for them in order to trick him into doing and buying more. They make him feel like a failure if he does not give them the lifestyle that their friends and families enjoy. Some husbands speak very harshly to their wives, humiliate them, and even physically abuse them. Their wives have no voice or opinion in the family.

Marriage In The Eyes of Allah

It is very sad that this relationship which Allah (SWT) has established for the good has been made a source of contention, deception, trickery, tyranny, humiliation, and abuse. This is not the way marriage is supposed to be.

Allah (SWT) described marriage very differently in the Holy Quran: '. . . He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts) . . . " (Holy Quran 30:21, Yusuf Ali Translation).

Do not be a Tyrant

Regardless of whether or not Islam has made the husband the head of the household, Muslims are not supposed to be dictators and tyrants. We are taught to treat our wives well. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was reported to have said: 'The most perfect Muslim in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives" (From Mishkat al-Masabih, No. 0278® Transmitted by Tirmidhi).

Be Partners in the Decision Making Process.

Follow the principle of 'Shura," and make decisions as a family. There will be much more harmony in the family when decisions are not imposed and everyone feels that they had some part in making them.

Never be Emotionally

Never be emotionally, mentally, or physically abusive to your spouse. The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) never mistreated his wives. He is reported to have said: 'How could they beat their women in daytime as slaves and then sleep with them in the night?"

Be Careful of Your Words

Be very careful what you say when you are upset. Sometimes you will say things that you would never say when you were not angry. If you are angry, wait until you calm down before continuing the conversation.

Show Affection

Show affection for your mate. Be kind, gentle, and loving.

Be Your Spouse's Friend

Show interest in your mate's life. Too often, we live in the same house but know nothing about each other's lives. It would be great if the husband and wife could work together for the same cause or on the same project. They could perhaps establish a husband/wife prison ministry, take care of orphans in their home, or lead an Islamic weekend class.

Show Appreciation

Show appreciation for what your spouse does for the family. Never make your husband feel that he is not doing good enough for the family or that you are not satisfied with his work or his efforts, unless, of course, he is truly lazy and not even trying to provide for the family. The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was reported to have said: 'On the Day of Judgment, God will not look upon the woman who has been ungrateful to her husband." (where is this hadith found) Show your wife that you appreciate her. If she takes care of the house and the children, don't take it for granted. It is hard work, and no one likes to feel unappreciated.

Work Together in the House

The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) is known to have helped his wives in the house. And if the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was not above doing housework, modern Muslim husbands shouldn't feel that they are.

Communication is Important

Communication, Communication, Communication! This is the big word in counseling. And it should be. Husbands and wives need to talk to each other. It is better to deal with problems early and honestly than to let them pile up until an explosion occurs.

Forget Past Problems

Don't bring up past problems once they have been solved.

Live Simply

Don't be jealous of those who seem to be living a more luxurious life than your family. The 'rizq" is from Allah (SWT). In order to develop the quality of contentment, look at those people who have less than you, not those who have more. Thank Allah (SWT) for the many blessings in your life.

Give Your Spouse Time Alone

If your mate doesn't want to be with you all the time, it doesn't mean he or she doesn't love you. People need to be alone for various reasons. Sometimes they want to read, to think about their problems, or just to relax. Don't make them feel that they are committing a sin.

Admit Your Mistakes

When you make a mistake, admit it. When your mate makes a mistake, excuse him or her easily. If possible, never go to sleep angry with each other.

Physical Relationship is Important

Be available to your mate sexually, and don't let your sexual relationship be characterized by selfishness. The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was reported to have said: 'It is not appropriate that you fall upon your wives like a beast but you must send a message of love beforehand."

Have Meals Together

Try to eat together as a family when possible. Show the cook and the dishwasher, whether it is the husband or the wife, appreciation for his or her efforts. The Prophet (SAWS) did not complain about food that was put before him.

Be Mindful of Your discussion Topics

Never discuss with others things about your marriage that your spouse wouldn't like you to discuss, unless there is an Islamic reason to do so. Some husbands and wives, believe it or not, complain to others about their mate's physical appearance. This is a recipe for disaster. Information about your intimate relations should be kept between you and your spouse.

Many of us treat our spouses in ways that we would never treat others. With others, we try to be polite, kind, and patient. With our spouses, we often do not show these courtesies. Of course, we are usually with our spouses at our worst times --- when we are tired and frustrated after a hard day. After a bad day at the office, husbands usually come home angry and on edge. The wife has probably also had a hard day with the children and the housework. Wives and husbands should discuss this potential time bomb so that if they are short-tempered with each other during these times, they will understand the reasons rather than automatically thinking that their spouse no longer loves them.

Good marriages require patience, kindness, humility, sacrifice, empathy, love, understanding, forgiveness, and hard work. Following these principles should help any marriage to improve. The essence of them all can be summed up in one sentence: Always treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated. If you follow this rule, your marriage will have a much greater chance for success. If you discard this rule, failure is just around the corner.

By Ibrahim Bowers
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

:ma::)

:salam2:

Asalam o alicom. jazakallah this is very good explanation about relationship.i am not married but this article is excellent
 

colleen.eha

New Member
The husband feels that he is the boss, and whatever he says goes. The wife feels that she must squeeze everything she can out of her husband.

The very reason why I came to TTI - battling depression and begging for acknowledgement!!!!

InshAllah yarabbi things will work out!!!

Thank you, blessings be upon you.
 

Asiya-sparkles

Junior Member
Assalam alaikom wa rahmat allahi wa burrahktohu,
InshAllah that i can add to this page:

What to Look for in your spouse, [what you like doesn't need defining]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adapted from Initiating and upholding an Islamic marriage - Hedaya Hertford.

In a Man:
Naturally there are characteristics in each of us that the right partner will enhance and are unique, however there are also some qualities that you should seek:

Piety, A halal (lawful) income, sufficient to support his household, Basic Islamic knowledge, because Allah subhana wa t'ala says: "Protect yourself and your family from the fire" [ Qu'ran 66:6]

Contentment, Ability to make mature judgements, Ability to understand and think soundly, A forgiving nature, tolerant and even tempered, Patience & generosity, Responsibility, protectiveness and co-operation, Being from a decent stable family, Good appearance and bodily cleanliness. [the intended bride may look at the man who wishes to marry her as many times as she needs before making her decision]

The Prophet(saw) said "Choose well for your seed, marry suitable women and marry your daughters to suitable men." [Ibn Majah, 1968]


In a woman:

There are important qualities to look for in a woman who will be your wife, companion and mother to your children, they should always include:

Piety The Prophet(saw) said "A woman is married for her wealth, her lineage, her beauty or her religion. Choose the religious one or you will lose." [Bukhari 5090]

Affectionate & easygoing nature The Prophet(saw) said "Marry loving, fertile women" [Nasa'i 3227]

Ability to make mature judgements, to understand & think soundly, Obedience & patience, Contentment The Messenger of Allah(saw) said ""I was shown hell and the majority of its inhabitants were ungrateful women". The companions asked, "Were they ungrateful to Allah?" "No" He replied "[it was]because of their ingratitude towards their husbands and denyng goodness done to them. Even if you were generous to her for a lifetime, as soon as she experiences anything she dislikes from you [her husband], she tells you that she has never seen any goodness from you." [ Muslim 907]

Being from a decent stable family. As with the aforementioned Hadith regarding suitable men, The Prophet(saw) also said "Beware of a beautiful girl of bad background." [ Musnad al-Shihab 957]

Good appearance & bodily cleanliness. (When seeking marriage a man may see the face and hands only of the intended bride but may seek his female relatives to meet the prospective bride in her home without her hijab, it is important to mention any specific preferences... colour of hair, straight or curly etc... but not expect a description of the bride, only a confirmation of her suitability).

In the case of both the husband and wife, there are also those to avoid, these are:

Irreligious or immoral, ill tempered & short tempered, arrogant or concieted, unsatisfied, miserly, tyrannical in word or deed, the one who doesn't have empathy or compassion, who plays the 'divorce' card...asking for or threatening divorce habitually, immature and weakwilled, impatient, irresponsible, loafer, negative and complains often, hypochondriac and malingerer.

It is important to establish prior to marriage these character traits through close questioning, shyness should not stop legitimate questions from being asked or invited, but need not sound like an interrogation! It is also very important to discuss expectations in regards to children - how will they be educated etc? And very important to seek compatibility in religiousness, this can either make for a blessing or burden within a marriage.[/
 

Asiya-sparkles

Junior Member
Adapted from Initiating and upholding an Islamic marriage - Hedaya Hertford.

The wise husband.

Bismillah Ar-rahman Ar-raheem

'muadha wa rahma' love AND mercy

Allah Mighty & Majestic guides the believers to the actions that bring success, both in the sense that the results manifest in this life as well as earn rewards for the Hereafter if applied. The actions that please Allah are also going to bring personal benefits inshAllah (God willing) to us when we implement them for the sake of Allah.

The following verses are some of what He says:

"But the best provision is right conduct. So fear Me, O you who are wise" [Qu'ran 2:197]

"Those who spend freely whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those that do good" [Qu'ran 3:134]

"Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, 'We believe', and that they will not be tested?" [Qu'ran 29:2]

And fear a day wherein you shall be returned to Allah, and every soul shall be paid in full what it earned." [Qu'ran 2:281]

Some men confuse being masculine with a natural state of being harsh towards women and children and vulnerable people, they perceive their role as being strong and of discouraging emotional intimacy; in fact this lack of gentleness manifests in a harmful way and becomes an unconscious lack of compassion that causes harm to their families, the wife (wives) and children are dependants and that isn't linited to a financial responsibility.

This is why the Messenger of allah(saw) gave much advice on the subject of kind treatment and there are many hadiths that remind men to be compassionate and overlook.
Muhammad(saw) said " The believer who has the most exemplary faith is he who is best in demeanor and most kind to his wife" [Tirmhidhi 1162]. A scholar explained , this hadith also holds true for the reverse, those who are bad in their character are also bad to their wives.

It is important to remind ourselves, that of all subjects that could have prevailed at the Farewell Pilgrimage, our Prophet(saw) paid particular attention to the treatment of women, he said "O men, listen to me, for I may not be with you after this yearin this place. Let it be well understood that your lives and property are sacred and inviolable to each other... You have rights over your wives, they have rights over you...and all muslims are brothers to one another. I call upon you all to guard yourselves against committing any injustice... Listen! Treat your women kindly; they are a trust for your safe keeping in your hands." [tirmhidi 3087]

It must be understood that the wife is not a chattel, she is an individual who comes to her husband and serves him, she is deserving of his love, compassion and companionship. She is not merely a vessel to fulfill his needs, she also has needs which should be considered a duty fulfilled in good spirit, the pious husband hates to see his wife upset. Muhammad(saw) recognised his wife Aisha(ra) needed female companionship and ensured that she spent quality time with friends, not overburdening her with housebound duties or restricting her to mixing only with kin.

Allah Most High has said "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts of your hearts, lest you swerve; if you distort or decline justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all that you do" [Qu'ran 4:135]

We all have a natural tendancy to follow our nafs, but in fact we should master them, in doing so, we reap the rewards and blessings and become disciplined and humble before Allah. As believers it isn't fitting for a muslim to change or have a say in any matter that has been decided by Allah subhana wa t'ala & His Messenger(saw). It is fitting only that a husband and wife live piously, mindful and conscious of the care, compassion and love they are enjoined to bring into their marriage. Allah commands us nothing that will harm us.

In truth, the sunnah is the means we need to enable a healthy Islamic marriage, and there isn't an equivalent or alternative mode that will protect the believers or grant them the necessary skills, contentment or setting to enrich our souls, earn rewards and live equitably with our spouses.

Allah knows best.

All mistakes are my own, and what good comes from my Rabb.
 

Aapa

Mirajmom
Assalaam walaikum,

I had to respond...since I have had a couple the words better husband captured my attention. ...when the husband is better than the last the realtionship would have to be good.
 

hayat84

I'm not what you believe
:salam2:
very good thread,I liked it above al because I'm married and know how sometimes married life is.it is needed much patience from both the parts,for example the husband comes at home after a day of work and he's tired:to make him forget the tire,it's good to give him a good word when he comes,a smile and sometimes a glass of maroccan tea:SMILY149:
I like to take care of my husband because I love him and because he's the one who brings to his family everything it needs.on the other hand when the wife is little nervous for her monthly periode,it's good for the husband not to be too close to her,because she is "nervous"!!!
when it happend it to me,I close myself in angry silence until it's passed,I don't know why,maybe it's the hormons,but he understands me and preferes to make a walk.
Every couple has its limits and its characteristics which let it carry on:some ones use to treat badly each other,but they carry on maybe 50 years,and some others which are always happy and carry on for the whole life.It depends from how close the partners are.I put myself in this example and I can say that my limits in my coupled-life,is not to have limits,except the trust and the respect.I'm near to arrive to the 4th year of marriage and I treat my husband like the first day I knew him:love,respect,I like to laugh with him like the first times,we are on the same "wave-line":wasalam:
 
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