This book covers various aspects of marriage according to the authentic Sunnah. Marriage plays a most central role in the human life, and has been largely discussed by the scholars of Islam through the ages, resulting in numerous writings and treatises. This unique title covers a number of different aspects in marriage, including human sexuality, Islamic etiquettes of intimacy, prohibited acts of intimacy, ghusl, the 'awrah, zina', birth control, indecent acts, and more.

As- Salaam Alaikum! I welcome you to our 'Like A Garment' e-book, an initiative that seeks to educate Muslims to find conjugal bliss in their marriages. The name of this project came from one of the most beautiful, poetic and profound metaphors of the Qur'an. Allah states, "Permitted for you, during the night of the fast, that you approach your wives. They are your garments, and you are their garments" [al-Baqarah; 187]. In this verse, each spouse is described as a 'garment' to the other. The famous exegete Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 311) stated that this description most aptly described the act of intimacy between the spouses, for during that act, each spouse sheds his or her other garments and then wraps around the other, taking the place of clothes. Al-Qurtubi (d. 671) also comments on this metaphor, and adds that just as clothes protect their wearer from the external elements, similarly each spouse protects the other from external passions that would harm a marriage. Combining between the various explanations of this beautiful metaphor found in the books of tafseer, we can derive many meanings from it: - The act of procreation is so intimate that it is literally as if one of the spouses covers up the other, just as clothing covers up one's body. Another euphemism that the Qur'aan uses for the sexual act is the verb ghashsha, which means 'to cover up, to envelop'. - One primary purpose of clothing is to conceal one's nakedness, since this nakedness (or `awrah) is embarrassing to display, and should be hidden from the eyes of others. Similarly, each spouse conceals the other spouse's faults, and does not reveal them to others. - Clothing protects one from the external elements, such as heat and cold. Similarly, spouses protect one another from external desires that originate from many different sources. By satisfying these desires within the confines of marriage, external passions are removed. - Clothing is the primary method through which humans beautify themselves. Without clothing, one is incomplete and naked. Similarly, spouses beautify and complete one another; when a person is not married, he or she is not yet complete and has not reached his or her full potential. Marriage is an essential part of being fully human, just like clothes are an essential part of being fully civilized. - Clothes are only worn in front of others, and are not necessary in front of spouses. It is only in front of one's spouse that the other spouse can discard his or her garments. - Clothes are the closest thing to one's body. Nothing comes between a person and his or her clothes. So the analogy of spouses being 'like clothes to one another' implies such a closeness - there is nothing, literally and metaphorically, that should come between spouses.

Just as Masters and Johnson were pioneers in the study of human sexuality, so Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage. As a professor of psychology at the University of Washington and the founder and director of the Seattle Marital and Family Institute, he has studied the habits of married couples in unprecedented detail over the course of many years. His findings, and his heavily attended workshops, have already turned around thousands of faltering marriages. This book is the culmination of his life's work: the seven principles that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward in their approach, yet profound in their effect, these principles teach partners new and startling strategies for making their marriage work. Gottman helps couples focus on each other, on paying attention to the small day-to-day moments that, strung together, make up the heart and soul of any relationship. Being thoughtful about ordinary matters provides spouses with a solid foundation for resolving conflict when it does occur and finding strategies for living with those issues that cannot be resolved. Packed with questionnaires and exercises whose effectiveness has been proven in Dr. Gottman's workshops, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the result of Dr. John Gottman's many years of closely observing thousands of marriages. This kind of longitudinal research has never been done before. Based on his findings, he has culled seven principles essential to the success of any marriage. Maintain a love map. Foster fondness and admiration. Turn toward instead of away. Accept influence. Solve solvable conflicts. Cope with conflicts you can't resolve. Create shared meaning. Dr. Gottman's unique questionnaires and exercises will guide couples on the road to revitalizing their marriage, or making a strong one even better.

Fulfilment of sexual desire and needs are key in sustaining a harmonious marital relationship. However, in today’s society, sexual boundaries are being pushed further and further, and often, sexual deviance is openly practised. In such circumstances, there is a need to identify which sexual activities are permissible in Shari’ah. Islamic Guide to Sexual Relations is a serious endeavour to tackle these sensitive matters in a clear and concise manner. While being respectful and dignified in the language he employs, the author does not shy away from discussing sensitive issues. He records, in thorough detail, the guidance Islam provides regarding sexual encounters with one’s spouse. The book covers a wide range of issues, and thus, answers many frequently asked questions on the topic of sexual relations. It concludes with a short chapter addressing Islamic etiquettes and practises pertaining to newlyweds on their first night.

Relies purely on authentic sources. * Covers issues based on modern scientific approach. * References for ayaat, hadith and quotes are provided from original sources. * Scientific Researches are quoted from established scientific journals. The book is divided into topics dealing with various issues of love, marriage and intimacy. References for all the quotes have been provided mentioning volume, page and hadith number. We have strictly adhered to authentic ahadith which are either Saheeh or Hasan. Also, the stories of pious predecessors mentioned in this book are established with authentic chains. The scientific researches are quoted from renowned established journals citing volume and page number. The book ends with a conclusion, glossary of Islamic terminology and detailed bibliography.

The Bible has a way of shocking us. If Americans could still blush, we might blush at the words, "Rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love" (Proverbs 5:18-19). But, of course, sin always tries to trash God's gifts. So we can't just celebrate sex for what God made it to be; we have to fight what sin turned it into. The contributors to this unique volume encourage you to do both: celebrate and struggle. This book has something for all-men and women, married and single-from contributors like John Piper, C. J. and Carolyn Mahaney, Mark Dever, Al Mohler, Carolyn McCulley, and others.