Marriage Preparation grounded in Islamic Values
“Also among His Ayaat is that He has created spouses for you from yourselves so that you may find solace with her, and He has placed love and mercy between you. There are certainly Ayaat in this for people who contemplate.” [Al-Rum, v. 21]
It has been narrated from Abdullah ibn Abbas (Allah is pleased with him) that: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There is nothing like marriage, for two who love one another.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith 1847]
Marriage (nikah) is a religious institution of love and mercy that has been simplified by Allah ﷻ and His Beloved Messenger ﷺ. Yet, today many single Muslim brothers and sisters are apprehensive about marriage.
Islamic Premarital Counselling (Premarital Counselling based on Qur’an, Sunnah and Fiqh) can play a positive role in simplifying the marriage, transforming it into something desirable and, more importantly, finding answers and solutions to a wide range of marital issues.
Islamic premarital counselling is about laying the foundation of a strong, healthy marriage combined with Islamic spirituality.
According to a study by The Family and Youth Institute, 80% of divorced American Muslim couples did not participate in any formal premarital education. Islamic premarital counselling is a preventative measure that reduces the chances of divorce.
In Masjid Bilal, we strive to create an open, confidential, respectful and non-judgmental environment where engaged couples can participate in fruitful discussions and exercises that will better equip them for this exciting chapter in life.
Young couples (married less than 5 years) can also enrich their marital life by participating in these interactive sessions and exercises.
Islamic premarital counselling is not about listening to a long lecture on marriage and the do’s and don’ts, but it is more about empowering the couple with the practical tools needed to navigate the highs and lows that come with every relationship.
In Masjid Bilal’s Islamic counselling process, we also actively listen to each couple and identify their unique needs to customize the session content so their concerns are addressed in the frame of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The topics of discussion throughout these sessions may include any of the following but are not limited to (listed in random order):
- Purpose of Marriage
- The Foundations of a Blissful Marriage: Piety, Love & Barakah (blessings)
- The Islamic Spirituality behind marriage
- Anger management
- Reconnecting after an Argument
- Rituals of Connection
- Balancing relationships between spouse, parents, in-laws and extended family
- Rights & Obligations of the spouses
- Family life of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ
- Communication & Connection
- Predictors of divorce
- Work-life balance
- Roles & Expectations
- Family time
- Intimacy
- Identify differences to either resolve them or learn to manage them.
- Conflict Management
- Short- and Long-term goals
- Finances
- Basic Fiqh of divorce – What words and statements to avoid so talaq does not unintentionally come into effect.
- Plots of Shaytan to destabilize a marriage
- Common causes of divorce e.g. domestic violence, infidelity, in-laws, various forms of abuse (financial, emotional, spiritual, etc.) and practical steps of how to avoid it
- Specific post-nikah prayers.
Key Details About the Faith-Based (Islamic) Counselling Process:
- Islamic Principles: The counselling is based on Qur’an, Sunnah, and Fiqh, ensuring that the guidance aligns with Islamic values.
- Confidentiality: All sessions are completely confidential. Your privacy is a priority, and no information will be shared unless required by law.
- Safe, Non-Judgmental Environment: Sessions are conducted in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly, explore your concerns, and express yourself with comfort and trust.
- Islamic Ethics and Etiquette: All participants are expected to abide by Islamic ethics and etiquette during the sessions to ensure a respectful and productive environment.
- Honesty & Commitment: We kindly ask that all participants maintain honesty and a commitment to attending multiple sessions if required, in order to benefit fully from the process.
- Legal Matters: Please note that while we can provide support based on Islamic principles, any legal matters must be handled with the assistance of a lawyer.
Commitment to attend 5 sessions for approximately 45 – 60min each is expected. This may vary depending on each couple’s unique circumstances.
Services are provided by our Imam, Mawlana Mushtaq Shaikh. Please click here to read about our Imam.
If you are interested in benefiting from this service or have any questions, please feel free to contact our Imam at: imam@masjidbilal.ca, for details on availability and the current fee structure.
Full-time students are welcome to inquire about discounted rates.
Note: Our Imam is not a government-licensed counsellor. Services are for couples/individuals seeking Islamic guidance
To Book or Inquire:
📞 Call: 416-264-1222 (Weekdays between Zuhr and Esha — leave a message if unanswered)
📧 Email: imam@masjidbilal.ca