Question:

I am writing to you from America. If you could please help me and pass on some valuable ĥadīth, Qur’ānic verses on Love in the Islāmic Family.

You have specifically asked about love in a Muslim family, probably seeking the nature of relationship between husband and wife. We shall not burden you will long quotes. Let the following brief references suffice:

1. Chapter 30, verse 21 of al-Qur’ān [And of His Signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you might find peace of mind in them, and He put between you love and compassion] speaks of how love and compassion have been divinely put between the two sexes, around which the whole marital network is to revolve and peace of mind attained;

2. Chapter 7, verse 189 [it is He Who created from a single person, and made his mate of like nature in order that he might dwell with her – in love] mentions the creation of mates for mutual comfort,

3. Chapter 2, verse 187 describes marital tie in terms of husband and wife being (like) apparel for each other – that is, a source of protection as well as beauty [they are your garments and ye are their garments].

Thus love, compassion and care make the real essence of the marital system in Islam. This objective then permeates all laws framed by Islam that regulate family life.

When generous mutual respect becomes impossible for any good reason, then the way to separation is kept open, because without the peace of mind, love and affection, a family life is not thinkable in Islam. This is the major reason of allowing divorce in contrast to what we find in the orthodox Christian traditions. To this effect please refer to Chapter 4, verse 129-130, verse 229 of Chapter 2 and 2:237 and 65:2 in the Qur’ān.

Add to these verses from the Qur’ān, one of the most referred sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him): The best amongst you is one who cares most his family and you grasp the nature of family life in Islam.

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