On certain occasions, while announcing a Nikah [Islamic marriage announcement], the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) imparts invaluable advice. These should be heeded not only by the new couples but by all who wish to establish true peace and success, in their relationships and homes.
The Review of Religions is pleased to present the English translations of the guidance imparted by His Holiness (aba) on such occasions of Nikah. We have included only those parts of the Nikah sermons in which His Holiness (aba) has imparted advice, and left out specific details such as names and dowry.
On 22 August 2012, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) announced two Nikah ceremonies in Fazl Mosque, London. After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuzand the Qur’anic verses of Nikah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) read out the names of the parties whose Nikah would be announced. Following this, His Holiness (aba) stated:
‘At this time, I will make a few announcements of Nikah. Of the marriages taking place today, two are of life devotees. Among the teachings revealed by Allah the Almighty regarding marriage, and the guidance which has been specifically intended for the time of marriage by the Holy Prophet (sa), the first and foremost teaching is taqwa [righteousness]. If one exhibits taqwa and tries to effectuate their every word and action with the fear and love of God in their heart, while also striving for His pleasure, then many of the problems in the world would be resolved. Marriage is also a matter in which newly formed relationships face many problems. If there is taqwain one’s heart and they are desirous of the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, then these problems will resolve themselves. In the verses that are recited [at the occasion of Nikah] and in the guidance imparted by Allah the Almighty, one such teaching is of speaking accurately; to speak truthfully in a way where there is no deviance from the truth. This is not just about speaking the truth, but about speaking in straightforward and clear words, such that are clear and cannot be misunderstood to mean something else. Through this, mutual trust is developed in these new marriages. This, in essence, is the mutual trust established between a boy and girl that becomes a means for them in their future life together to honour and uphold their relationship in the best possible manner. Not only this, but the two families joining together should also trust one another.
The marriages that are taking place today are joining families that are already close or related with one another, and also other families who are completely unacquainted. In such marriages [where there is no prior acquaintance], both parties do not know much about one another. For this reason, if we keep taqwa [righteousness] in view, adhere to the truth, fear God and endeavor to attain His love, then these temporal relationships will also become a means of attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. Every boy and girl and both families joining together in matrimony should go forward with this in mind.
May Allah make these new marriages, which I am announcing today, a source of happiness for us all. If these new marriages prove to be suitable, they are not just a source of happiness for the families involved, but also the boy and girl, and the Jama’at [Community] as a whole. If marriages do not result in good, are not upheld in the right manner and cause problems, then they can also cause distress to the Jama’at. Not only are such matters painful for the Jama’at but also for the Caliph of the time. Sometimes, a lot of time is spent in the reconciliation of some parties. Thus, I pray that Allah the Almighty blesses the marriages taking place in every respect and grants them success.’
Original Urdu published in Al-Fazl International Edition: 11 April 2014 p. 20
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