great and noble services.

It therefore becomes evident that those who wish to drive her out of her home—her natural place of work—so that she may vie with the man in his occupation have strayed far from understanding what serves the interests of religion and worldly life, or else they understand and still seek to mislead.

The benefits of marriage are so many that they defy enumeration, for it is a divinely ordained institution established to secure the welfare of both the Hereafter and the present world.

Yet marriage has etiquettes and limits that must be observed by both spouses so that its blessings may be completed, happiness realized, and life made serene. Each partner must fulfil the rights due to the other and attend to the duties that rest upon him or her.

The husband is responsible for providing maintenance—food, clothing, and housing in a fair manner—and for being good-natured, treating his wife kindly, gently, and cheerfully, showing companionship and pleasant company.

The wife, for her part, should serve her husband, maintain his home, manage the household and its expenditures, nurture his children with sound upbringing, safeguard her husband in her person, his house, and his wealth, meet him with a welcoming smile, prepare the means of his comfort, and bring joy to his heart. Thus he finds within his home happiness, openness, and relief after the toil and fatigue of work; and he, in turn, meets her with respect, cheerfulness, a pleasant demeanour, good companionship, and the fulfilment of his obligations.

When each spouse discharges the rights and duties owed to the other, their life becomes blissful, their union praiseworthy, and joy and delight hover over their household. The children grow up in this calm and tranquil atmosphere, acquiring noble dispositions, commendable traits, and gentle manners.

This marriage, of which we have mentioned some of its benefits and the happiness it brings, is the lawful Islamic marriage that guarantees human rectitude and the flourishing