Muslims are facing increasing challenges in building successful families and keeping them together. Some of these challenges are external in nature and are a result of the rise of extreme liberalism and materialism around us. Other challenges arise from our own internal problems such as complacency with regards to marriage and families and a poor understanding of Islam. The purpose of this book is, first, to raise awareness among Muslims about the importance of marriage, how and when it should be done Islamically and other related issues, such as material breakdown, divorce procedures, forced marriage and polygamy. Secondly, it highlights the features and purposes of Muslims families, the rights and responsibilities of family members, and important issues related to the family, such as extended families, domestic violence and fostering. The modern threat to the family and family values, the basic ingredients needed to make a blessed family, the ethos and principles of Muslim families, and the impediments that can cause family disharmony - all these have also tackled briefly in a holistic way from an Islamic perspective.

This highly prized book fills the need for a guide for Muslim couples, married or planning marriage.

The book draws on Islamic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah to discuss the main emotional, social and sexual problems that can afflict relationships, suggesting many practical ways in which these can be resolved.

Modern life brings strains and pressures which can upset even the most compatible relationship. This means that to protect the spirit of cooperation and happiness which is the sign of the true Islamic marriage, careful thought ought to be given to the ways that help husband and wife to live together and respect each other's rights.

Ruqayyah Waris Maqsood, a leading British Muslim scholar, served as Head of Religious Studies at William Gee High School, Hull, England. She has written over seventeen books on various aspects of religion, a book of counseling for Muslim teenagers and a volume of poetry.

Today, many families suffer from fundamental problems and intense differences between spouses, which steal their happiness and lead their families to serious consequences after they have had hopes for a life they planned for with their dreams. These golden dreams can be realized if spouses understand their function, which Allah (swt) determined for them, in order to build the family consciously. It is the most important function on earth, because the human is Allah’s (swt) purpose. He created him/her for a certain goal, not for fun or frivolity. "Deemed you then that we had created you for nothing, and that you would not be returned to us?" [Qur’an 23:115] This human (both spouses) is a guardian, trustee and responsible.

This book is a real course that enlightens the young, males and females, on the nature of the marital life and acquaints them with the reasons for its success, continuity, happiness and the reasons for its failures. It introduces for them the important and minute points of the marital relations and discusses the nature of the problems that usually arise.

This book discusses in details family leadership (qawamah) in Islam and the many misconceptions that arise around this concept. It provides a detailed analysis on the subject from a variety of available literature and emphasizes that it is primarily an obligation to be fulfilled on part of the husband toward his family. It also provides many practical examples on the appropriate use of qawamah as well as its inappropriate use.

“….an extremely valuable springboard for further discussion and consideration of a most timely topic that affects every Muslim family in North America. As a Muslim with a doctorate in clinical psychology, it is my professional recommendation that every mosque and Islamic center in North America should use Dr. Beshir’s new book to lead in-depth study and discussion sessions about the role of family leadership within Islam.” – Jerald F. Dirks, M.Div., Psy.D.

Pregnancy is an ultimate time to turn to Allah. Not only is it a physical process, it is also a spiritual and emotional journey filled with excitement and apprehension. Heaven Under Your Feet accompanies sisters along this beautiful phase in life. Whilst there is lots of advice-packed literature out there for the expectant mother, this book broaches the subject from the perspective of a Muslimah, addressing the thoughts and concerns of someone looking for an Islamic viewpoint on what is a unique and special moment in her life.

Certainly, security and happiness, regardless of whether talking about the family or the society, will not come about simply through force and coercion. They will not be present through the power of iron or fire. In fact, they can only come about through the rectifying of the souls, purifying of the characters, proper perceptions and sticking to the laws of Islam and acting in accord with them in all aspects of life. If that is present, then the causes for security in society are present and for the family there will be the pillars for continuance and performance.

If Muslims would return to the principles of Islam and its law, they would find that it has laid down practical and realistic means for solving such disputes. In bringing about a good and proper family and marital life, the Noble Quran has laid down a path that solves every problem that could exist between the spouses and has laid down for them the ways of wisdom and stages of behavior that will lead to goodness. There is nothing amazing in this, since it is the law of a Lord who is Knowledgeable, Aware, who created mankind and knows its hidden aspects and places of weakness.

What then are the laws that bring about this great good of security and tranquility? It is what is known in fiqh as the laws of nushooz, its cases, its causes, how to be protected from it, and the means to cure the problem.

This book covers the importance and advantages of marriage: selecting a spouse, the counting process, the marriage contract, celebrating the wedding, the waleemah, forbidden marriages etc. It provides a practical procedure for performing a marriage contract, and includes a sample marriage certificate.