Huzoor^(aba) delivered this Friday Sermon from France. Huzoor’s^(aba) discourse was based on the topic of matrimonial matters in general and marriage of widows and girls of disadvantaged background in particular. Citing verse 33 of Surah Al Nur (24:33) Huzoor^(aba) admonished against the censorial outlook of some as regards the marriage of widows and explained that it was an Islamic viewpoint, a Quranic injunction and that it needed to be adhered to. As regards the mention of marriage of ‘slaves’ in the verse, Huzoor^(aba) referred to the modern day ‘opposite number’ of the disadvantaged and said that while the Jama’at helps out in such instances lack of finances should not be used as an excuse to avoid marriage. Huzoor^(aba) said often after marriage the young man develops a sense of responsibility and endeavours to provide for the family and with Allah’s grace situation improves.

As regards widows, Huzoor^(aba) said Muslim society should reject the false customs that have crept into our way of life that hinder a widow to remarry. Indeed in Islam a widow does not need anyone’s approval to get married, if her betrothal is good she has been given the right to go ahead. Huzoor^(aba) referred to verse 235 of Surah A Baqarah (2:235) for this.

With reference to Ahadith Huzoor^(aba) explained the Holy Prophet’s^(sa) counsel of ‘not to delay when it is time for Salat, or when a funeral is ready or when a compatible match is found for a widow.’ He also enjoined that a widow’s right supersedes that of her Wali (guardian) in the matter of marriage.

The Holy Prophet^(sa) enjoined that if a man with good morals and piety comes with a marriage proposal, his offer should be accepted, he admonished that the four aspects a woman is married for are her wealth, her lineage, her beauty and her piety and that one ought to give preference to her piety. Huzoor^(aba) remarked that those who have physical appearance as a criterion should pre-determine through photographs whether they wish to proceed or not with a match and should avoid humiliating the girls by visiting and rejecting them on the grounds of appearance. Huzoor^(aba) reiterated that if they gave preference to piety they would be the recipients of the Holy Prophet’s^(sa) prayers.

Huzoor^(aba) touched upon the practice of some parents of delaying the marriage of their off spring in order to live off their earnings. He cautioned against delaying a daughter’s marriage for her earnings and the practice of keeping her and the son-in-law under one’s roof. Huzoor^(aba) instructed the Ansar, Khuddam and Lajna to counsel their respective members against such erroneous practices. Huzoor^(aba) also expounded the misinterpretation and misuse by some of the hadith that allows prospective betrotheds to see each other in the presence of the family. He also admonished against those who are at the other extreme and make it a matter of honour for the young man and woman to be in each other’s presence.

Huzoor^(aba) said it is the responsibility of the entire society to pay attention to the marriage of those who are marriageable. With reference to the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzoor^(aba) explained the significance of arranging marriages within the Community. He said it promotes unity and ensures that the next generation is raised in a pious environment.

Huzoor^(aba) urged all to co-operate with the ‘rishta nata’ department within the administrative system of the Community. In conclusion Huzoor^(aba) prayed that may we be enabled to arrange marriages of those who are orphaned and of widows in accordance with the Quranic injunction and may Allah alleviate the anxiety of those parents of marriageable girls who are anxious.