The Islamic Way of Life

concerned parents. This training at home helps the children enter society equipped with a deep sense of responsibility, respect for human values and other qualities, such as sincerity, which are essential for the better construction and development of any social system. A society composed of such homes or training units will never suffer from the chaos and destructive instabilities from which modern societies are suffering nowadays. Guidelines for a healthy, happy and meaningful marital life, along with the rights and duties of parents and other members of the family, occupy a considerable space in both the Quran and Hadith. A few references in this regard are given below: 1. “Men should approach women with the sincere intention of entering into wedlock with them, not committing fornication.” (4:24) 2. “And your Lord had commanded you to serve none but Him, and to show goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, show them no sign of impatience and do not rebuke them, but speak to them a generous word. Treat them gently and with compassion, and say: ‘O my Lord! Have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was little.’” (17:23-24) 3. “No parents have ever given to their children any gift better than a good moral education.” (AI-Adab al-Mufrad) 4. “My Lord has enjoined me to do nine things,” the Prophet once said, and one of them, he stressed was ‘keeping on good terms even with those relatives who cut off ties of kinship.’” (aI-Hakim)