THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE

and not mere temporary entertainment. Hence, there is no room in Islam for what is known as pre-marital or extra-marital affairs between the two sexes. Through the institution of marriage Islam aims at building a society free from anarchy, instability, indecency, violence and crime. Marriage, when conducted and maintained on the lines laid down in the Quran and the Sunnah, (practice and teachings of the Prophet) provides an organised unit in the form of a home. Successive generations are brought up on this foundation, nurtured physically, morally and emotionally in a healthy atmosphere under the supervision of loving and caring parents. This training at home helps children enter society, equipped with an entrenched sense of responsibility, respect for human values and positive qualities such as sincerity, that are essential for the better construction and development of a social system. A society composed of homes or training units embodying such values will never suffer from the chaos and destructive instabilities that societies experience today. Guidelines for a healthy, happy and meaningful marital life, along with the rights and duties of parents and other members of the family, occupy considerable place in both the Quran and Hadith. A few references are given below: 1. And your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and show goodness to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age, show no sign of impatience and do not rebuke them, but always speak gently to them and treat them with humility and tenderness and say: ‘O my Lord! Have mercy on them as they raised me up when I was little’. (THE QURAN 17: 23-24) 2. No parents have ever given to their children any gift better than a good moral education. (Al-Adab al-Mufrad) 3. Live with them (spouses) in accordance with what is fair and kind; if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something which God might make a source of abundant good for you. (THE QURAN 4: 19) To attain inner peace and real happiness, one has to remain content with what one earns independently and lawfully.