Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (DB)
When undertaking the great Ibadah of Nikah, first study the masaa’il of Nikah and Talaaq, learn the responsibilities and rights of one’s spouse. This knowledge must be taken from authentic Islamic kitaabs, based on the Qur’aan Sharief and Sunnah.
Among the Sunan and aadaab (etiquettes) of Nikah, one is to perform 2 Rakaats of Salaah when husband and wife are together, on their own, for the first time. This was recommended by the Sahabi, Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Radhiyallahu anhu).
In this Salaah, the husband is the Imam and the wife is the muqtadi (the one who follows). There is no need to read Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Aale Imraan; even the shortest Surahs can be read - Surah Al-Asr and Surah Al-Kauthar. This should be followed by dua for blessings and success in one’s marriage.
By performing these two Rakaats of Salaah, the wife will take note that her husband is her imam. She will have to follow him and cannot do as she wants to. This will foster mindfulness and cognizance: My husband is my imam and I must follow him.
As the Imam, the husband will be conscious of his responsibility. He also cannot do as he wants to. He has to make Salaah as is the Sunnah, in obedience to the Command of Allah Ta’ala. He must keep before him: I must follow the Commands of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.
This nafl Salaah takes just a few minutes. However, it will set a beautiful pattern. There will be barakah in that marriage.
Of course, if the husband breaks the laws of Allah Ta’ala and breaks the Sunnah, then he cannot be followed in sin. The husband is to be followed as long as he is following the laws of Allah Ta’ala and the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.
Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “…There is no obedience to anyone in sinful acts; obedience is only in meritorious acts.”[1]
[1] Sahih Al-Bukhari
