Q. What are Islamically permissible ways in which to meet women with intention for marriage , if you live in a society where your best opportunity to meet a muslim woman is at the workplace or in a secondary school? A. Marriage is an institution whichis filled with respect and dignity and so, everything that leads to marriage must be filled with the same. Dating, as we have seen brings about a great amount of sins and wrongdoings on the part of the boy and the girl. As such, a Muslim boy or girl must never be trapped into this web ofsatan. In accordance to the guidelines given in the beautiful teachings of Islam , when one seeks a partner in marriage, he/she must consult with the parents or other close family members. The parents/guardian etc. will then enquire from others in the community and beyond about a good boy or girl for their son/daughter. When a certain match is found, the parents/guardian should enquire about the traits, habits and character of that person. If they are pleased, then they would introduce the boy to the girl. At this point the boy and girl may speak to each other within the presence of blood relatives and may then decide that they would marry each other. Even at this time, it is not permissible for bothof them to go out alone, to be in seclusion or to maintain any sort of relationship which is seen from a husband and wife. Besides the above, if a boy happens to see a girl which may interest him or vice versa, then they must consult with their parents and proceed thereafter inaccordance to the guidelines given in the beautiful teachings of Islam. If the parent finds it difficult to find a suitable wife/husband for their son/daughter (through their contacts) then they may continueto enquire from friends, the Imam, persons in the community or even distant relatives. And Allah knows best.

Q. What are Islamically permissible ways in which to meet women with intention for marriage , if you live in a society where your best opportunity to meet a muslim woman is at the workplace or in a secondary school? A. Marriage is an institution whichis filled with respect and dignity and so, everything that leads to marriage must be filled with the same. Dating, as we have seen brings about a great amount of sins and wrongdoings on the part of the boy and the girl. As such, a Muslim boy or girl must never be trapped into this web ofsatan. In accordance to the guidelines given in the beautiful teachings of Islam , when one seeks a partner in marriage, he/she must consult with the parents or other close family members. The parents/guardian etc. will then enquire from others in the community and beyond about a good boy or girl for their son/daughter. When a certain match is found, the parents/guardian should enquire about the traits, habits and character of that person. If they are pleased, then they would introduce the boy to the girl. At this point the boy and girl may speak to each other within the presence of blood relatives and may then decide that they would marry each other. Even at this time, it is not permissible for bothof them to go out alone, to be in seclusion or to maintain any sort of relationship which is seen from a husband and wife. Besides the above, if a boy happens to see a girl which may interest him or vice versa, then they must consult with their parents and proceed thereafter inaccordance to the guidelines given in the beautiful teachings of Islam. If the parent finds it difficult to find a suitable wife/husband for their son/daughter (through their contacts) then they may continueto enquire from friends, the Imam, persons in the community or even distant relatives. And Allah knows best.

Based on the advices of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat prepared by Brother Aslam Patel “You have never seen anything better than marriage for those who love.” (Ibne Mãjah) Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat dãmat barakãtuhum advises: 1 . Every action is dependant upon intention. When marrying, both partners should therefore make a firm intention to accomplish the following objectives: *. Following the Sunnah of our beloved Nabee Muhammad s. *. Safeguarding oneself from sins. *. Parenting pious children. 2 . When marrying, each becomesthe other’s lifetime companion. Each should understand and appreciate that Allah S has brought them both together and that their destiny in life has now become one. Whatever the circumstances: happiness or sorrow; health or sickness; wealth or poverty; comfort or hardship; trial or ease; all events are to be confronted together as a team with mutual affection and respect. No matter how wealthy, affluent, materially prosperous and “better-off” another couple may appear, one’s circumstances are to be happily accepted with qanã‘at ( contentment upon the Choice of Allah S). The wife shouldhappily accept her husband, his home and income as her lot and should always feel that her husband is her true beloved and best friend and well-wisher in all family decisions. The husband too should accept his wife as his partner-for-life and not cast a glance towards another. 3 . Nowadays, the husband reads about, and is well-informed of hisrights and demands them. Similarly, the wife reads of her rights and expects them. However, both should concentrate on being aware of each other’s rights and then strive to fulfil them. This is the prescription for a prosperous marriage and everlasting love. 4 . During the first year of marriage, the couple must try andspend as much time as possible together. This is especially true for the first two months as it provides an opportunity to understand each other’s temperaments and establishes a firm foundation which contributes towards securing a prosperous marriage. 5 . The couple (especially the husband) must make a point to arrive home early after ‘Ishã Salãh and scrupulously avoid the habit of socialising with friends late into the evening. Wherever possible, business, employment and other activities should be concluded beforehand or curtailed in order to set aside time for spending together. 6 . Mutual respect between husband and wife should not be lost. They should each be very particular about following the Deen right from the initial stages of married life. This will also ensure a religious environment for the children to be nurtured in,contributing greatly towards their successful upbringing. 7 . True and everlasting prosperity is only possible for Muslims when they follow the Sunnah of Rasoolullah s in all affairs. The couple too, should adhere to the teachings of Rasoolullah s in all their matters and abstain from anything whichcontradicts them. Careful attention should be given to this in their intimate relationship too. Inshã’allah this will be an assured approach to acquiring the blessing of pious offspring. 8 . In the initial stages of marriage, the love between the couple is a physical bond, wherein emotional changes take place all the time. Despite great passion and physical love for each other, affection between thecouple is not yet well established or on a rational basis. Such rational love comes after many years together. It is therefore extremely important for the husband not to succumb to emotional weaknesses at the onset and let the marriage waver towards an irreligious direction. Both the husband and wife should make a pledge to each other to steadfastly follow the Deen, especially in the performance of Salãh and in avoiding all sins. 9 . Marriage is like the weather, forever changing. Sometimes it is cloudy and rainy, life appears gloomy, then the sun appears and rays of happiness break through bringing joy. At times, one experiences rain, wind and sunshine all in one day. Such is life, and like the seasons, we go through different experiences. The secret is to remain devoted and steadfast to one’s Deen and spouse. 10 . The husband should be sympathetic to the fact that his wife has left her parents, brothers and sisters to start a new life with him. Her sacrifice and her feelings should be respected and joy should be felt by both partners at the expansion of their families. Just as the wife should treat her husband’s parents as her own, heshould also extend affection, courtesy and respect to his new in-laws. / - - - :->

When we keep provoking others and piercing them where it hurts most, and continue believing that it is part of our freedom to keep doing that, then we cannot expect them not to react through emotions rather than sound mindbecause after a certain point, even the most sane person wouldlose his mind. This is more likely when there is continued extreme provocation. Hence, whilst condemning hooliganism & violence in the strongest terms, we would be failing completely if we continue to cheer on its cause by not condemning those who intentionally & repeatedly provoke others in the most hurtful manner possible regarding what is dearest to them. I pray the Almighty guide myself& us all to be of the highest level of character & conduct, upholdingsound morals & values. ~/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en