The Importance of Mutual respect in marriage: An Islamic perspective
Marriage is a very important institution in Islam. The marriage connection, as mentioned in the Qur’an, is one of equality, reciprocity, and cordiality between two individuals.
In Islam, spouses are expected to be partners who support and nourish one another. somebody with a comparable link to one’s outfit Allah portrayed wives as items of apparel in the Qur’an.
Allah acknowledges in Surah Baqarah: “Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them” (2:187). Spouses, like clothes, are intended to shield their lovers, provide comfort and safety, and conceal their imperfections. It entails continually being there for and caring for one another.
Husband and wife must consequently play equal roles in marriage, fulfil their rights and obligations, and work together in sync to achieve something in order to have a happy married life. According to religion, an ideal marriage is related with love, trust, kindness, and compassion, which, when attained, may help establish a satisfying existence and have a good impact on the home and family environment.
Only a partnership founded on mutual respect and a dedication to true intentions and efforts will withstand the test of time.
Women are still seen as second-class citizens today.
However, there is a significant disparity between what religion teaches and the world we see around us. Despite the fact that Islam was the first religion to provide women the same social position as males, women are still regarded inferior to men due to centuries-old biases that cross all social, religious, and cultural borders.
According to Amina Wadud in her book Qur’an and Women: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman’s Perspective, this influenced not just the situation of women in Muslim cultures, but also the interpretation of the place of women in the Qur’an.
This view holds that “there are major distinctions between men and women in terms of creation, capacities and role in society, accessibility to guidance, particularly Qur’anic advice, and the rewards given reflect them in society.”
In contrast, the male is regarded as superior and more significant than the woman. He is the decision maker, the natural leader, and the administrator who can execute things that women cannot. As a result, males have greater rights, such as freedom of travel, employment, social, political, and economic engagement, he claims.
Even now, society’s attitude toward women remains mostly unchanged. She is still conditioned and nurtured in such a way that she believes in making sacrifices and concessions in order to accomplish her fundamental responsibility to the Creator, which is to remain subservient to her spouse, carry her children, raise them, and have them care for your family.
In a marriage, a woman is second to her husband, yet she is educated, enlightened, future-oriented, and financially independent. Regardless of your varied circumstances, you are required to perform a million chores at home and in your family. Most of the time, their services are taken for granted.
In such a case, mutual respect between husband and wife is vital.
What is the definition of mutual respect in a marriage?
It is one of the most crucial elements that contribute to a happy marriage. It not only shows love, but also trust and compassion for your spouse and, more significantly, acceptance of who they are.
Respecting your spouse implies being attentive to others. Recognize your partner’s feelings, thoughts, ideas, wants, and desires, and allow them the space they need to be themselves. Respecting your partner’s feelings also entails refraining from being unpleasant, sarcastic, or insulting to them, as well as refraining from ignoring or avoiding them.
Although it may appear straightforward, treating your spouse with respect requires a conscious and regular effort.
Being nice to your spouse entails the existence of both negative and good behavioral features. Treat them the way you want to be treated. In practice, respecting your spouse entails listening to their advice, discussing with them before making major choices, showing an interest in their lives, career, interests, and activities, and making appropriate modifications. To put it another way, consistency is essential.
A partnership like this exemplifies the fundamental core of a respectful marriage.
The routine, difficulties, and problems of everyday life, on the other hand, might diminish the respect you have for your partner. It’s natural to become upset, angry, or pessimistic, and this might lead to you venting on your spouse. These negative feelings might also have an effect on your relationship.
There may also be instances where a couple is unable to control or resolve their disagreements, resulting in finger pointing and further unpleasant interactions. Ignoring, being indifferent to, or hindering your spouse are all negative behaviors that can lead to marital dissolution.
Acceptance of differences
They are two very different people from diverse origins, with separate personalities and presumably opposing viewpoints, attitudes, and methods. They may also have diverse preferences, dislikes, and options. Being married to each other does not imply that you have to agree with everything your partner says.
Differences are certain to arise between a husband and a wife, especially if both couples are opinionated. However, please understand that a disagreement, no matter how terrible it appears, does not spell the end of the world or your marriage.
Making a concerted attempt to address problems
There are times in life when we must not only pay attention but also be patient. That is when we must use Sabr and be cautious.
It is the moment when the desire for mutual respect emerges, which has the capacity to both strengthen and damage a marriage. The pair must then collaborate in order to resolve the concerns and establish common ground. It is critical to recognise that your spouse is a unique individual with his or her own approach to a given situation.
Lessons from Allah’s Messenger
Several incidents in Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) life offer ideal lessons to mankind on how to respect your spouse.
Throughout his life, the Prophet was nice to all of his wives. When he met his first wife, Khadijah (R.A), she was an independent and accomplished businesswoman who was also fifteen years his senior. Her business spirit was only encouraged by the Prophet.
After marriage, Khadija was no longer an ornamental showcase in the Prophet’s household, but an equal partner who provided enormous support and strength, especially during the period when the Prophet received the first revelation. The Prophet confided in her, and she trusted him completely, demonstrating that their relationship was founded on mutual respect, love, and trust.
