At that time there was no barrier to any of the Islamic...

At that time there was no barrier to any of the Islamic freedoms nor was there any tax on anything. In any case, it is imperative that Muslims concern themselves, except in cases where they are compelled by force of arms, with bringing back the laws of Islam in every aspect of their lives. This includes the condition of equality between the married couple as stated by Islam and has been shown by the jurists in their explanatory books and their practical essays.

Then the darkness may be lifted gradually just as it came to our lands gradually. Abolition of Conditions It is imperative that all man-made conditions which have no connection with Islam are abolished from the marital agreement. Granted, if something is made a condition and it is religiously acceptable then it may be agreed upon by the two parties, but as the saying goes: the more restrictions there are on something the less frequently it occurs.

Every complication lessens the opportunity for marriage whether it be the conditions of the groom or of the bride. It is probable that when a law imposes a condition it seeks to solve a certain problem, but problems are increased from another perspective. For example a law seeking to prevent thieves from stealing by night might impose a curfew.

The basis of marriage in Islam is simplicity and keeping away from complications and un-Islamic traditions and surplus formalities, which are routinely imposed.

Among that which simplifies marriage is that no fee is taken for the marriage contract, as was the case in Iraq fifty years ago when the scholars who used to formulate the contracts were prevented from taking payment for discharging their services.53 There is no doubt that complexity however small and minor causes delays and in any number add up to a greater delay.

Therefore if these matters were abolished along with all the other officialities of which there are an abundance these days, marriage would become easy and would be popular among young men and women as well as divorcees and so on. The Couple's Happiness The principle that 'people have dominion over their wealth and their own selves' is an important one Islamically.54 The West has progressed and flourished relative to the extent it has practised it.

Muslims have regressed whenever they have neglected and ignored it. This principle must be applied to the married couple. They are, together, free in the choices they make in everything that God has permitted.