Lessons From Ali RA and Fatima RA

Marriage in Islam

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This message is intended for the youth who are contemplating marriage. If a joyful and fulfilling life is what you seek, then I encourage you to heed the insights and reflections presented in this article.

As Uqbah ibn ‘Amir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best marriage is one that is easiest. ”In another narration, the Prophet said, “The best dowry is one that is easiest.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 4163 | Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

What does a successful marriage look like in Islam?

As I journey through life, I’ve realized that when a husband and wife become closer to Allah, they also grow closer to each other. Their love is based on their devotion to the Most Merciful. It makes me wonder, what kind of love could be better than that? What other love can bring more happiness and blessings? Nowadays, people often say “love is love,” but they don’t always think about why they love or who they’re loving for. Love is all around us, in the smiles of older people and the laughter of children, but sometimes it’s just seen as something romantic for our own benefit. Before you commit to loving someone, ask yourself: Why do you love? Who are you loving for? Is your love only for this world, or does it extend to the next? What do you hope to gain from this love? And most importantly, will this love bring you closer to the Most Merciful?

In Islam, a successful marriage is characterized by mutual love, respect, and understanding between spouses. It is a union based on faith, with both partners striving to strengthen their relationship with Allah together. Communication is open and honest, and conflicts are resolved with patience and compassion. The husband and wife support each other’s growth and well-being, and they work together to fulfill their responsibilities as partners and parents. They find joy and contentment in each other’s company, creating a peaceful and harmonious home where love and Islamic values flourish.

A love worth studying

The marriage between Ali (RA) and Fatima (RA) holds a special significance in Islamic history. It is considered one of the most blessed and revered unions, as it brought together two prominent figures in Islam. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), while Fatima bint Muhammad (RA) was the beloved daughter of the Prophet (SAW). Their marriage exemplified the highest level of love, respect, and devotion to Allah and His Messenger. Ali (RA) and Fatima (RA) lived a simple and pious life, devoted to worshipping Allah and following the teachings of Islam. Their union was characterized by profound mutual love and a shared commitment to serving Allah and the Muslim community.

Ali (RA) and Fatima (RA) were blessed with two sons, Hasan (RA) and Husayn (RA), who went on to become respected leaders and key figures in Islamic history. Their descendants, known as the Ahl al-Bayt, hold a special place in the hearts of Muslims. The marriage of Ali (RA) and Fatima (RA) serves as a timeless example for Muslims, showcasing the importance of a strong, loving, and spiritually centered partnership within the framework of Islamic principles. Their legacy continues to inspire Muslims to this day, as their lives were a shining embodiment of true faith and devotion to Allah.

Having extensively explored numerous articles and Islamic marriages, I was particularly captivated by those that highlighted the remarkable bond between Imam Ali (Ra) and Fatimah (Ra). Their lives were based on simple things we often overlook, but their love shone brightly even in times of poverty, and they found genuine happiness in each other’s presence as spouses. Sometimes, a spouse can bring a beautiful sense of comfort that brings peace. However, it’s truly extraordinary when a spouse embodies the teachings of Islam in their own character. These two wonderful souls were perfect examples of a pure marriage built on faith. Despite enduring a challenging life filled with poverty, they had to manage without any servants to care for them.

حَدَّثَنَا بَدَلُ بْنُ الْمُحَبَّرِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي الْحَكَمُ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ ابْنَ أَبِي لَيْلَى، حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيٌّ، أَنَّ فَاطِمَةَ ـ عَلَيْهَا السَّلاَمُ ـ اشْتَكَتْ مَا تَلْقَى مِنَ الرَّحَى مِمَّا تَطْحَنُ، فَبَلَغَهَا أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أُتِيَ بِسَبْىٍ، فَأَتَتْهُ تَسْأَلُهُ خَادِمًا فَلَمْ تُوَافِقْهُ، فَذَكَرَتْ لِعَائِشَةَ، فَجَاءَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَتْ ذَلِكَ عَائِشَةُ لَهُ، فَأَتَانَا وَقَدْ دَخَلْنَا مَضَاجِعَنَا، فَذَهَبْنَا لِنَقُومَ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ عَلَى مَكَانِكُمَا ‏”‏ حَتَّى وَجَدْتُ بَرْدَ قَدَمَيْهِ عَلَى صَدْرِي فَقَالَ ‏”‏ أَلاَ أَدُلُّكُمَا عَلَى خَيْرٍ مِمَّا سَأَلْتُمَاهُ، إِذَا أَخَذْتُمَا مَضَاجِعَكُمَا فَكَبِّرَا اللَّهَ أَرْبَعًا وَثَلاَثِينَ، وَاحْمَدَا ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ، وَسَبِّحَا ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ، فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمَا مِمَّا سَأَلْتُمَاهُ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated `Ali: Fatima complained of what she suffered from the hand mill and from grinding, when she got the news that some slave girls of the booty had been brought to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). She went to him to ask for a maid-servant, but she could not find him, and told `Aisha of her need. When the Prophet (ﷺ) came, Aisha informed him of that. The Prophet (ﷺ) came to our house when we had gone to our beds. (On seeing the Prophet) we were going to get up, but he said, ‘Keep at your places,’ I felt the coolness of the Prophet’s feet on my chest. Then he said, “Shall I tell you a thing which is better than what you asked me for? When you go to your beds, say: ‘Allahu Akbar (i.e. Allah is Greater)’ for 34 times, and ‘Al hamdu Li llah (i.e. all the praises are for Allah)’ for 33 times, and Subhan Allah (i.e. Glorified be Allah) for 33 times. This is better for you than what you have requested.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 3113
https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3113

They deeply feared Allah and were mindful of their actions, never allowing themselves to transgress His laws. Witnessing this beautiful example of marriage made me reflect on its relevance in today’s world. Despite numerous inspiring marital examples, the struggles faced by married individuals weighed on my mind. Questions arose: What value does a marriage hold if both partners do not strive to remember Allah? What significance does a marriage carry if both partners are not careful with their words? How can a marriage thrive without mutual respect? Is it not essential to confront personal addictions for a marriage to be blessed? How can a marriage bring happiness if one neglects their spouse while focusing on pleasing others? These thoughts kept swirling in my mind, prompting further contemplation.

Love starts with The Most Merciful

Many people dream of a happily ever after, yet only a few are willing to invest the effort needed to make it a reality. It’s common to hear people proclaim that they love for both this world and the next, but truly meaning it in their hearts is a different story. Love should originate from the source of love, and finding peace requires seeking it from the source of peace. If you’re not willing to embark on your journey with the Most Merciful, then it’s best not to make promises of guiding someone else to a promised land.

Change starts with you, and you have to first adjust your own settings before you can pair with another device and share your information. Unless you have an Iphone 14 pro max, and not a android (Just kidding no hate to android). Couples who adhere strictly to cultural norms and traditional rules often face significant challenges, particularly when parents insist on following cultural practices instead of the guidance of the Sunnah. The situation worsens when both partners are heavily influenced by culture and lack knowledge of their own faith. It’s like trying to drive a car without a steering wheel or autonomous driving capabilities. Sadly, many young couples fall victim to such manipulation and find themselves lost even before their journey begins. It is crucial to be a spouse who is mindful of Allah and actively engaged in prayers. Regardless of whether you are the husband or the wife, holding onto your connection with Allah is especially important in today’s time and age. If you notice your spouse neglecting prayer, set the best example by consistently performing it yourself. Turn to the Most Merciful, invoking His assistance on your journey.

There is a wise quote that goes as “If you loved me for this world we will leave as we never met but if you loved me for the next world then we will meet as we never left.” To be honest, it can be confusing, yet the message conveyed is powerful. Those who love solely for this world will witness their love fade away in the next life. However, those who love with an eye on the hereafter will witness their love flourish eternally. Remember, Allah deserves your utmost love and devotion, so channel all your love and energy into acquiring knowledge about Him and His magnificent qualities! Recognize that Allah is the ultimate source of love, and immerse yourself in His remembrance, seeking to understand His profound love for you. As Dr.S once said “We can’t plan what Allah has already planned.” He plans for the best for you so trust Him in His judgment. Once you open your heart to Allah, you will truly comprehend love in its purest essence. Only then will you be prepared to share that love with those whom He holds dear, leaving behind a legacy that resonates through the heavens with a resounding roar!

Resources:

Ali (ra) and Fatima (ra): From Love to the Pain of Death | The Firsts | Dr. Omar Suleiman
The First Family: Ali (ra) and Fatima (ra) | The Firsts | Dr. Omar Suleiman