said, “The person who marries gains half of his faith; then...

said, “The person who marries gains half of his faith; then he must fear God for the other remaining half.” [^4] In another tradition, the Prophet said, “He who wishes to be clean and purified when he meets God should marry and have a spouse.” [^5] The Quran describes the union between man and woman. And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts.

Verily, in that are signs for those who reflect. (30:21) The verse establishes three pillars of a successful marriage. First, marriage provides an emotional and social shelter whereby the husband and the wife find stability and security—financial, spiritual, emotional, and socially. The second pillar of a successful marriage is the love between the spouses. Marriage that is not based on love is apt to fail in the future.

The third pillar is the mercy between the spouses in which leads to mutual understanding, appreciation, respect, forgiveness, and the caring for one another. Although heavily discouraged, divorce is permissible in Islam. Divorce in Islam is only used in dire cases in which the marriage had no possibility of progress or development. God does not want a couple to remain in misery and sustain emotional, physical, and financial damage.

Thus, God explains the laws and rules of divorce in the Quran chapter called “Divorce.”[^6] Islam encourages reconciliation between the spouses. Their families and friends have the responsibility to counsel the couple as much as possible, but if the attempt to save the marriage ultimately fails, then the last resort is divorce. After divorce, there is a waiting period called iddah .

Iddah represents a time of reflection or emotional recuperation for the couple; it provides them an opportunity to heavily reconsider their divorce decision. The three-month a waiting period also provides ample time to confirm the possibility of pregnancy. Most couples return during the iddah period; however, if the period elapses and the couple shows no interest in returning to each other then the divorce will be finalized. Part of the Islamic social life is to have high regards for kinship.

Kindness and respect for one's parents is considered one of the most notable qualities in Islam. The Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents, whether one or both of them attains old age in your life.