A Comprehensive Guide for Couples for Creating a Strong and Lasting Marriage

Marriage is a beautiful institution, but it can also be difficult. It takes two people to work together to navigate life’s ups and downs while maintaining a strong and healthy relationship. Effective communication is one of the most important aspects of a happy marriage. This includes being able to communicate openly and honestly with your partner while also listening to and comprehending their point of view. Unfortunately, many couples have difficulty communicating and instead resort to arguing, fighting, and causing tension and bitterness in their relationship.

One of the main reasons marriages fail is that couples do not handle situations maturely. Instead of working through issues and finding solutions, couples often argue for the sake of arguing, which only adds to the problems. Because the partner is afraid of causing an outburst or a fight, this results in a subconscious reaction of avoiding certain topics or issues. This can lead to resentment and an inability to communicate effectively over time, resulting in a relationship breakdown.

To avoid this, it is critical to approach conflicts calmly and maturely. This entails taking the time to gather your thoughts and express your emotions in a clear and logical manner. Instead of attacking your partner or using hurtful words, try to express how you felt as a result of their actions and ask how you can work together to prevent it from happening again. Remember that healthy relationships are based on mutual respect, understanding, and a willingness to work through problems together.

Another crucial aspect of a happy marriage is the ability to prioritise your partner’s feelings over your own. This includes being able to empathise with them and understand their point of view, even if you disagree with it. Furthermore, remember that marriage is a partnership, which means that both individuals have a responsibility to work toward a common goal – the relationship’s well-being.

“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquilly with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect,” the Quran says. (30:21) This verse emphasises the value of love and mercy in marriage and how they can lead to a happy and fulfilling relationship.

In addition, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a Hadith, “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.” This Hadith emphasises the importance of treating one’s spouse with kindness, respect, and consideration.

Disagreements and conflicts are a natural part of any relationship, including marriage. However, how couples handle these disagreements can have a significant impact on the marriage’s overall health and longevity. It is critical to approach conflicts with maturity and a willingness to understand the other person’s point of view, rather than resorting to insults or defensiveness right away. Furthermore, open and honest communication with your partner is essential in order to address issues before they become bigger problems.

The Quran is a valuable resource for couples seeking guidance on how to handle marital conflicts. When conflicts arise, the Quran encourages couples to be patient and kind to one another, as well as to seek compromise and forgiveness. Verse 34 of Surah Al-Baqarah, for example, states, “And treat them with respect. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” (Quran 2:34)

The Hadith is another excellent resource for couples seeking advice on how to resolve marital conflicts. A husband should treat his wife with kindness, respect, and fairness, according to the Hadith. According to a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “the best of you are those who are best to their wives.”
Furthermore, many self-help books and relationship experts, such as John Gottman, Dr. Harriet Lerner, and Dr. Gary Chapman, provide valuable insights and strategies for couples looking to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills.

In summary, while disagreements and conflicts are unavoidable in marriage, it is critical to approach them with maturity, openness, and a willingness to understand the other person’s point of view. Couples can seek guidance from the Quran, Hadith, and relationship and communication experts on how to navigate these challenges and build a stronger, more resilient relationship.