Microsoft Word Marriage Guide doc

Conditions
(Shurut). When a man marries a woman he takes upon himself 
certain conditions as duties, of which the Shari'ah specifically mentions kindness, finan-
cial maintenance, clothing, sex and accommodation, all in accordance with the woman's 
background and normal expectations. If he fails to comply, he is sinning and the wife can 
take him to an Islamic judge to force him to mend his ways. If she lays down additional 
conditions for her marriage before the actual ceremony takes place, he must honour 
these also, as long as they do not invalidate any Islamic principle. According to the 
madhhab of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, the bride can make it a legal condition of the 
marriage that the husband will not take a second wife. (Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, 
IX, 202.) 
'The condition most deserving to be honoured is that through which you make 
private parts halal for you.' (Hadith in Muslim.) 
Condom.
If you are using these as your only method of contraception, 
remember that they easily split, burst or slip off, and there is quite a high rate of 
accidents. If you really don't wish to conceive, use a spermicide as well, or some other 
halal contraceptive. 
Contraception.
This is important if you do not want twenty children! There are 
numerous methods, and you should consult your doctor for advice. Islam is not against any 
method of contraception that prevents the conception of a child, but it is against destroying 
a foetus once it has life. Choose a method that suits both partners, not just one of you. 
Contraception should always be done after consultation. 
Remember that if Allah really wants a child to be born, it will be and you will not be 
able to prevent it. 
The Muslim Marriage Guide: Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

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