Husband And Wife Responsibilities In Islam - Examples From Imam Ali And Sayyidah Fatima's Marriage

Another factor for successful marriage or relationship and happiness that we learn from Ali and Fatimah is what? Please understand this. That Amir Al-Mu'minin would take part in household chores. This is something that our brothers do not like to listen to. But the traditions tell us, in the book Makarimu Al-Akhlaq, that Ali Ibn Abi Talib would sweep the floor. He would sieve the pulses in preparation for the cooking of the meal that Sayyida Fatimah would do.

And Rasul Allah, when they came and saw this he said oh Ali, no, this is a message for you and I. He said if a husband helps his wife in the household chores for the sake of Allah, Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala, for every hair of his body, grants him palaces in Jannnah, and one hundred rewards on the Day of Judgment.

And it works other way, that if the wife serves the husband by presenting a cup of water, Rasul Allah say, just a cup of water to the husband. In that particular way Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala grants her the reward that was given to Asiya and her patience when it comes to Fir'awn. It works both way, mutual cooperation and understanding of helping each other, number one.

Number two doing things together. Meaning what? I say to our brothers and sisters, especially the youth have activities together, even those, for instance like a charitable organization, or serving the community in any capacity. When you work together in such a manner, then you will be able to come together in this understanding, and complement each other in this way. The example of Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Sayyidat un-Nisa' Fatimah Az-Zahrah, salawat Allahi wa as-salamu alayhima [Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa Aali Muhammad].

We could continue and speak for many other points. I had prepared like ten or twelve points, but I promised to end with this one. And that is: both of them sought a life of simplicity. Brothers and sisters, the truth hurts. And the truth today is we are plagued with materialism. I want this, I want that, I want this lifestyle, I want this particular outing, I want this holiday. There is nothing wrong if you have the wealth to be able to enjoy it in a particular way, provided in the halal way, provided you have given your huquq, and what is required, and also at occasions to help the poor and the needy. But there is that and there is actually burdening.

For instance, the husband or the wife with the responsibilities, with financial responsibilities and burdens. Amir al-Mu'minin and Sayyidat un-Nisa' lived the life of simplicity and they found happiness and simplicity. Because the more complex, the more materialistic, the more attached to this world a relationship becomes the more likely it will break down, because an individual is seeking materialistic happiness and you will never attain happiness through materialism.

Mark these words, and perhaps some of you have already established this, or know this, that by having a new car, or buying a new bag or dress, the pleasure is transient. The pleasure is very much temporary. Then you want something else.

You keep looking, and looking, and looking, and you will never attain the sense of bliss. Happiness. And sense of satisfaction. This Qana'a that the Ahl Al-Bayt, alayhum as-salam, say have between you, work together to supplement and help each other and not burden each other.