06-16-2004, 06:25 AM
Final Word
Whether you're marrying someone from California or Qatar, I highly recommend the book by Ustadha Hedaya Hartford, "Your Islamic Marriage." (Dar al Fikr Books). Ustadha Hedaya gives you advice on how to conduct yourself in easy and difficult situations according to the teachings of Islam, and cuts through a lot of the nonsense that many Islamic marriage books contain (about ideal situations where husbands and wives are never cranky and never fight). Another good, realistic book is Ruqayah Waris Maqsood's "Muslim Marriage Guide."
When it comes to marriage, remember to keep your wits about you. Don't be pressured into a marriage you don't want, and don't let the excitement of other sisters at finally having someone to fix up sweep you into a marriage you're not ready for. Take the time to write a small journal about what you expect from marriage, what you think you can offer to marriage, what you need to work on, what you are looking for in a husband, and so on. Always keep " an open line" with Allah, praying to Him, asking for His Guidance on this matter, and you'll be fine, insha'Allah.