The Definition

“And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them. And He has placed between you love and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.”

[Ar-Rum, The Romans, Chapter 30, Verse 21]

The ingredients in a healthy, holistic, wholesome Islamic marriage are three: Rahmah (Mercy), Mawaddah (Love), and Sakeenah (Tranquility). The divinely prescribed formula is

LOVE + MERCY = TRANQUILITY

'Mawaddah' is derived from the Attribute of God, ‘Al-Wadud’, from the root of و د د (w-u-d). It is an all encompassing, elevated state of profound love and stable affection. It an expressive way of love which manifests in thoughts and acts of service and giving. As this love matures, its quality grows, enhances and endures with time and, manifests in acts of service.

‘Rahmah’ is derived from the Attribute of God ‘Ar-Rahman’, from the root of ر ح م (r-h-m) and with the meaning ‘The Intensely and Entirely Merciful, Supremely Compassionate, Extraordinarily Gracious to all of His Creation. Therefore, ‘rahmah’ between human beings, and especially in marital relationships, encompasses Mercy, Compassion and Grace.

‘Saqeenah’, derived from the root of س ك ن (s-k-n) meaning to live, inhabit, reside, has the meaning of tranquility. One of the Arabic words for home is 'maskan' with the nuances of rest, repose, trust, reassurance and stillness.

Together, these three ingredients form the cornerstone of the beautiful, God-conscious Islamic Marriage. With Rahmah, Mawaddah, and Sakeenah, the home becomes a place of rest, repose, stillness, and most importantly, a place of safety and security, with a sense of belonging for all members of the family.