ADAB AL-NIKAH

In the words of Imam Ghazālī, “Marriage comes to religion’s aid, striking devils with dismay”. How appropriate that one should study its occasions, preserve its sacred traditions and its etiquette, explain its aims and purposes, and detail the paragraphs and chapters of the subject. This is Book XII of ‘Ihyā Ulum al-Dīn (Revival of the Religious Sciences), translated by the eloquent Muhtar Holland. Topics in this book include: benefits of marriage, challenges of marriage, selecting a spouse, rules of married life, relations between husband and wife, having children, preferred actions at childbirth, obligations of spouses to each other, and avoiding divorce. The subject of Marriage, discussed is surely of particular interest and importance to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. How appropriate that one should study its occasions, preserve its sacred traditions and its etiquette, explain its aims and purposes, and detail the paragraphs and chapters of the subject.