marriage must be entered into whole-heartedly and taken very seriously by each of the two partners, and both of them must be committed to making their marriage a success. A marriage is truly successful and prosperous only when it is mutually rewarding. Allah suggests that both partners come together to cover, protect and beautify each other in the same way that a garment covers, protects and beautifies the one who wears it. [2:187] Through this metaphor, we understand that when two people get married, they cease to consider themselves individuals but instead as a couple - each person benefiting by the other equally. In order to flourish, there can be no hint of selfishness or refusal to compromisebetween them. There must be an agreement between the two partners that each of them will work together to solve whatever problems arise.
They will assist one another and sacrifice in order to gain mutual happiness, pleasure and peace. This is the purpose and goal of marriage according to the Shari'ah. As the Lord of the Heavens and Earth has said, "He it is who has created you from a single person and [then] He has created from him his wife, in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her." [7:189] Allah has designated specific roles for both partners. Only when these rights are observed and these obligations fulfilled, can tranquillity descend upon the couple and security surround them in their certain success. If either of the two partners, out of ignorance or int