how to maintain a happy and respectful marriage

Dear friends,

Last week, we addressed the responsibilities of the husband. Today, I will share some of the secrets of achieving marital happiness.

Happiness forms the basis of the marriage and is one of the things that every couple seeks out. There should not be a distance between you and your spouse. One needs to act rationally and not diverge for this causes problems where both parties lack interest in one another and become bored.

Respect is a fundamental pillar of every relationship; this includes marriage. Both spouses respect each other when alone and in public for when stating opinions and sharing feelings.

Trust between spouses is also necessary to avoid suspicion for doubt can destroy everything built between the husband and wife.

Another way in how to keep your marriage happy is to deal with any arising issues wisely and not give it more than its value. It is important to maintain secrecy between the husband and wife and not let family get involved. It is also good not to pay attention to problems of the past nor state them during any new issues.

Also, having an intimate relationship between the spouse, it will increase happiness and give a new outlet for the marital relationship where there are affection and compassion; this results in raising an integrated and understanding family.

Allah (The Most High) states in His noble book Quran:

'And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.'

[Quran, Surah Ruum, 30:21]
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Dear friends, in summary, we have revealed some of the secrets of marital happiness, from which we conclude respect, trust, mutual interest, affection, mercy, appreciation and consultation between spouses as advised by our religion, Islam.

Next week, my wife will discuss what a woman should look for in a husband.