Advice for newly married couples in islam in english

A widely shared advisory article from Islamic Reflections is offering practical guidance to newly married couples, highlighting the challenges and adjustments that often define the first years of marriage.

The advice, presented as a response to a reader’s question, emphasizes that the initial phase after the wedding can be one of the most demanding. Couples are required to adapt not only to each other but also to new family dynamics and responsibilities. According to the guidance, this period often sees the highest number of disagreements as partners learn to share space, routines, and expectations.

Adjustment and Priorities.

The article stresses that spouses should become each other’s primary priority, working as a team in decision-making. While maintaining family ties remains important, couples are encouraged to avoid allowing external influences to interfere with their relationship.

Respect and Communication.

Mutual respect is highlighted as a cornerstone of a healthy marriage. The guidance warns against comparing one’s spouse to parents or past lifestyles, noting that such behavior can create resentment. Instead, couples are advised to communicate openly, listen attentively, and express feelings respectfully.

Privacy and Boundaries.

Maintaining privacy within marriage is described as essential. Sharing personal or intimate details with others is discouraged, and couples are urged to resolve conflicts internally or seek neutral, informed advice when necessary. Setting clear boundaries—especially with extended family—is also presented as key to preserving harmony.

Personal Space and Self-Care.

The article underscores the importance of individuality within marriage. While prioritizing one’s spouse, individuals are encouraged to maintain personal interests, friendships, and self-care routines. Allowing each other space to grow and pursue activities independently is seen as vital for long-term stability.

Financial Planning and Family Decisions.

Financial disagreements are identified as a common source of conflict. Couples are advised to establish budgets and financial plans early on, ensuring transparency and cooperation. On family planning, the guidance suggests that couples may benefit from taking time to understand each other before having children, though the decision ultimately remains personal.

Living with In-Laws.

Special attention is given to relationships with in-laws, particularly in shared living arrangements. The advice encourages kindness and respect, while also emphasizing the importance of asserting boundaries and maintaining independence in marital matters.

Addressing Conflict and Abuse.

The guidance distinguishes between patience and tolerance of harmful behavior. While patience is encouraged in managing everyday challenges, any form of abuse—physical or emotional—is strongly condemned, with clear advice to seek help and speak out.

A Balanced Approach to Marriage

Overall, the article presents marriage as a continuous effort requiring balance, mutual respect, and cooperation. It concludes that while challenges are inevitable, a successful marriage depends on consistent effort, understanding, and fairness from both partners.

Al-Ghayb (The Unseen) – by Muhammad Metwally Al-Sha'rawi (1911–1998)

Al-Ghayb (The Unseen) – by Muhammad Metwally Al-Sha'rawi (1911–1998)

Sheikh Muhammad Metwally Al-Sha‘rawi, one of the most renowned Qur’anic exegetes of the 20th century, was widely admired for his clear, gentle, and accessible style of explaining the meanings of the Qur’an. His teachings focused strongly on matters of faith, reaching people of all levels—from ordinary listeners to scholars.

In this work, he explains the concept of Al-Ghayb (the unseen), which refers to everything that exists beyond human perception. It includes not only what is completely hidden, but also things that exist within the visible world yet remain beyond our senses due to distance or limitation. Compared to what we can perceive through sight, hearing, smell, or touch, the unseen world is far greater, deeper, and more complex.

Al-Sha‘rawi emphasizes that while humans may feel knowledgeable, the unseen realm is vast and encompasses many realities that shape our lives, even though we cannot fully grasp or control them.

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The Heart & Soul of Fasting - lecture by Dr. Bilal Philips.

The Heart & Soul of Fasting” lecture by Dr. Bilal Philips, presented in a clearer and deeper structure:

The Heart & Soul of Fasting – Expanded Explanation

Dr. Bilal Philips explains that fasting in Islam is far more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a comprehensive spiritual training designed by Allah to reform the human being from the inside out.

The lecture focuses on the idea that every act of worship has an outer form and an inner reality, and fasting is one of the clearest examples of this balance.

1. The True Purpose of Fasting: Taqwa

At the core of fasting is the development of Taqwa (God-consciousness).

This means:

Living with awareness that Allah is always watching

Avoiding sins even when no one else sees you

Strengthening self-discipline and obedience.

Dr. Bilal Philips emphasizes that hunger is not the goal—taqwa is the goal. Fasting is a means to train the heart to become more aware of Allah in every situation.

2. Fasting is Not Just Physical Abstinence:

Many people think fasting is only about:

not eating

not drinking

avoiding marital relations during the day.

But the lecture highlights that this is only the basic level.

True fasting also includes:

controlling the tongue (no lying, gossip, insults)

controlling the eyes (avoiding forbidden sights)

controlling the ears (avoiding harmful speech)

controlling anger and emotions

avoiding sinful habits and thoughts.

Without this, fasting becomes only a physical routine without spiritual benefit.

3. The Inner Dimensions of Fasting:

Dr. Bilal Philips explains that fasting has a deep inner effect on the human heart:

a. Purification of the heart

Fasting reduces spiritual diseases such as:

arrogance

jealousy

greed

attachment to worldly desires

b. Strengthening sincerity (Ikhlas)

Since fasting is hidden between the servant and Allah, it builds pure intention, free from showing off.

c. Softening of the heart:

Hunger reminds a person of weakness, which helps:

humility

gratitude

compassion for others

4. Levels of Fasting:

The lecture often divides fasting into different levels:

1. Basic fasting

Only avoiding food and drink

No change in behavior.

2. Moral fasting:

Avoiding sins of the tongue and body

Better behavior and discipline.

3. Spiritual fasting (highest level):

Heart fully focused on Allah

Complete avoidance of sin internally and externally

Deep spiritual connection and awareness.

This highest level is what transforms Ramadan into a life-changing experience.

5. Fasting as Training for Life:

One important message in the lecture is that fasting is not limited to Ramadan.

It is meant to:

train self-control for the whole year

build resistance against temptation

improve character permanently.

If a person returns to bad habits after Ramadan, it means the lesson of fasting was not fully absorbed.

6. Social and Human Impact:

Fasting also has a social purpose:

It makes the rich feel the hunger of the poor

It builds empathy and generosity

It encourages charity (Sadaqah)

It reduces selfishness and pride.

This creates a stronger and more caring society.

7. The Ultimate Goal: Closeness to Allah.

The highest outcome of fasting is not just discipline or morality, but:

closeness to Allah

spiritual peace

forgiveness of sins

elevation in rank in the Hereafter.

Dr. Bilal Philips emphasizes that when fasting is done correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for transforming the soul and purifying the heart.

Conclusion.

The “heart and soul” of fasting is not hunger—it is inner transformation.

Fasting is successful when:

the heart becomes more conscious of Allah

behavior improves

sins are reduced

spirituality increases

Otherwise, it remains only an empty ritual.

Dr. Bilal Philips Lecture: “Deepen Your Understanding of Islam”

In this lecture, Dr. Bilal Philips emphasizes that Islam is not merely a cultural identity or set of rituals, but a complete way of life that requires understanding, reflection, and continuous learning. He encourages Muslims to move beyond surface-level practice and develop a deeper awareness of their faith.

1. Islam is Built on Knowledge.

Dr. Bilal Philips begins by stressing that the foundation of Islam is knowledge (‘ilm). The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was “Read” (Iqra), highlighting that learning is the starting point of faith.

He explains that:

Worship without knowledge can lead to misunderstanding.

Every Muslim is responsible for learning the basics of belief and practice.

Seeking knowledge is a lifelong obligation, not a one-time effort.

2. Understanding Tawheed (Oneness of God)

A major focus of the lecture is Tawheed, the core belief in Islam.

He explains that deep understanding of Islam begins with:

Recognizing Allah as the only Creator and Sustainer.

Avoiding all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah).

Building a personal relationship with Allah based on sincerity and awareness, not just ritual.

3. Worship with Consciousness, Not Habit

Dr. Bilal Philips warns against turning acts of worship into mechanical routines.

He encourages Muslims to:

Understand the meaning behind الصلاة (Salah), fasting, and other acts.

Reflect on why they are worshipping, not just how.

Focus on presence of heart (khushu‘) during worship.

He explains that true worship transforms a person’s character and behavior.

4. The Importance of the Qur’an

The Qur’an is described as the primary source of guidance.

He highlights that Muslims should:

Read the Qur’an regularly with understanding, not just recitation.

Study its meanings and context.

Apply its teachings in daily life.

Without understanding, he notes, the Qur’an becomes a book read but not lived.

5. Following the Sunnah Correctly.

Dr. Bilal Philips explains that the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is essential for correctly practicing Islam.

He advises:

Learning authentic teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

Avoiding cultural practices mistaken for religion.

Understanding the wisdom behind prophetic actions.

6. Avoiding Misconceptions and Extremes.

The lecture also addresses misunderstandings about Islam.

He cautions against:

Blind following without evidence.

Extremism or neglect in religious practice.

Taking knowledge from unreliable or unqualified sources.

Balanced understanding, he says, protects the faith from distortion.

7. Islam as a Complete Way of Life.

He concludes by reminding listeners that Islam is not limited to the mosque.

It covers:

Personal ethics and behavior

Family life and relationships

Business and financial dealings

Social responsibility and justice.

A deep understanding of Islam leads to consistency in all areas of life.

Final Message.

Dr. Bilal Philips emphasizes that deepening your understanding of Islam requires:

Sincere intention

Continuous learning

Reflection on the Qur’an and Sunnah

Application of knowledge in daily life.

He encourages Muslims to move from routine practice to conscious faith, where every action is guided by understanding and sincerity.

Ousama AlShurafa lecture: "The Reality of Tawheed."

Ousama AlShurafa lecture: "The Reality of Tawheed."

“The Reality of Tawheed” by Ousama AlShurafa is a short Islamic reminder/talk where he explains the meaning and depth of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and how it should shape a Muslim’s understanding of life, reality, and worship.

From available summaries of his message, the core ideas include:

1. Tawheed is not just belief, but perception of reality

He emphasizes that Tawheed is more than saying “Allah is One.” It is about seeing everything in existence as dependent on Allah alone, and not being deceived by worldly appearances or distractions.

2. “La ilaha illa Allah” as a way of seeing life

The phrase is presented as a filter through which a believer interprets everything—success, hardship, fear, and hope—all returning back to Allah’s control and wisdom.

3. Breaking illusions of the dunya (worldly life)

He often connects Tawheed to the idea that this world is temporary and can mislead the heart if it becomes the ultimate goal. True Tawheed frees a person from worshipping desires, status, or fear of people.

4. Internal transformation

Tawheed is described as something that changes the heart—removing attachment to creation and strengthening reliance on Allah alone.

5. Spiritual clarity and certainty (yaqeen)

The talk encourages moving from confusion and distraction to certainty that only Allah is in control, which brings peace and direction in life.

A related description of his teaching highlights that Tawheed is the foundation of understanding reality and success in both religion and life. 

In simple terms

His message is basically:

> True Tawheed means you don’t just believe Allah is One—you start living as if everything depends only on Him.

Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed lecture: "We needs strong Roots of imaan."

Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed in her reminders about “Strong Roots of Imaan” focuses on how a believer can remain firm through life’s storms by building deep, not superficial, faith.

Here is a clear summary of her message:

1. Imaan must go deeper than emotions.

She explains that many people’s faith is surface-level—it rises when life is good and drops when hardship comes.

But strong imaan is:

consistent in ease and hardship

not dependent on feelings

rooted in certainty (yaqeen), not mood

2. Trials reveal the strength of roots.

Just like a tree is tested by wind, a believer is tested by hardship.

She teaches:

> Hardship does not destroy true imaan — it exposes weak roots.

So difficulties are not meant to break you, but to show what needs strengthening.

3. The roots of imaan are built in private worship.

Strong faith grows in:

salah (prayer with presence of heart)

du’a (private conversation with Allah)

Qur’an reflection

sincere repentance.

She emphasizes that no one becomes strong in public without consistency in private.

4. Knowledge alone is not enough.

She warns that knowing Islam intellectually is not the same as living it spiritually.

Real imaan is:

knowledge + sincerity + action

Not information without transformation.

5. Attachment to dunya weakens roots.

One of the biggest threats to imaan is over-attachment to:

people

status

comfort

worldly control

The more the heart clings to dunya, the weaker the roots become.

6. Strength comes through returning to Allah.

Even when the roots feel weak, the solution is not despair but return:

tawbah (repentance)

sabr (patience)

tawakkul (trust in Allah).

She reminds that Allah is the One who strengthens hearts when they turn back to Him.

Core message.

Strong imaan is not about never falling — it is about having roots deep enough to rise again.

> “A heart rooted in Allah does not break with storms — it bends, but returns.”