Half The Deen

From Ms. To Mrs. - Expectation VS Reality

By Zowja Mohsin

I'm getting married -Yay! There is so much to be done- designer dress, jewellery, footwear, bags, make-up artist, salon etc. How many days will the wedding celebrations continue? How many functions? Theme of the day? What about the dance preparations? Do we have enough time to rehearse the dances in-sync? Oh wait- I almost forgot, the photographer! 'Capturing memories that will last for a life-time.' I want my wedding album to be the most creative. I'll update my face book profile pictures and cover photos every day. Why not share my happiness with the world?

Many of us start considering these things as soon as the wedding bells start ringing in our head. The fairy-tale we had been reading, watching and dreaming of since our childhood is finally becoming true. So what do I do to prepare myself for this life-altering event? Yes! I Know! I need the wedding glow. I can't be a dull bride. Manicure, pedicure, whitening facial, skin treatments, weight-loss plans, gym programs (Obviously, I can't be a fat bride. What will people say?)

But....What happens once we say 'Qubool Hai/I Do'? The fairy-tale wedding, the excitement of the events, the food, the glittering dresses, and need not mention the never ending laughter. What happens when all of this comes to an end and a new chapter in our life begins? What happens when the first time we get into an argument with our husband? What happens when someone from the in-laws says something that hurts you deeply? What happens when misunderstandings arise? This is the time when it truly hits us that the fairy-tales always promised a happily-ever-after, but this is not what we had imagined. What does this 'happily-ever-after' mean anyway?

We are so focused upon the fairy tale wedding events and the preparations that we forget to make preparations for the real life drama that would follow-on later.

Expectation vs. Reality

Expectation: My husband will come home every day with a smile on his face.
Reality: Girls, sorry to burst your bubble, but this is not true for an everyday routine. Your husband is a human. He goes through different stressful routines and tasks in a day at his work. He gets tired, he has hunger pangs, he is uncomfortable with the work-place politics and there could be a number of other reasons which you are unaware of. At times, he would want solitude for a little while. Try to calm him down. Ask him about his problems, strike a light conversation to divert his attention, give him a light snack to eat, dress-up adequately for him and be empathetic. Don't take it personally. His mood will eventually become better.

There will be times when you face criticisms and you will feel that you aren't appreciated for your efforts.

Expectation: I will live the way 'I' like.
Reality: Once you get married, for some initial months, you are new to the in-laws and your in-laws are new to you. Learn their living habits, likes/dislikes and make sincere efforts to adjust to the new lifestyle. Pray to Allah (swt) for an increased level of patience and Taqwa. In times of turmoil, recite the Quran and the burden will be lifted from your heart Insha'Allah. Seeking permission wouldn't mean the end of your freedom. Your husband would like it when you seek his permission and value his opinion in every matter.

Expectation: I will be showered with compliments
Reality: There will be times when you face criticisms and you will feel that you aren't appreciated for your efforts. This is the time when you require patience the most. Keep doing good anyway. Keep a clear heart and try to improve your short-comings. Allah (swt) is the All knowing and All seeing. Allah (swt) is the turner of hearts.

Expectation: I will never get into a disagreement with my spouse
Reality: You and your husband are two different people with two different minds. There are going to be many occasions when you would not agree with a certain behaviour of your husband, or when your husband doesn't agree with your opinions or conducts. Satan becomes the happiest when there is disagreement between the husband and wife. So, whenever you see yourself lose control of your patience, remember to seek refuge in Allah (swt) from the Satan. Even the Holy Prophet (sa) once had misunderstandings with Hazrat Aisha (ra) due to the malicious rumours spread by certain slanderous people, while on an expedition against Banu-Al-Mustaliq.

Have the utmost faith in the judgement of Allah (swt). Try to finish the disagreements as soon as possible. Don't prolong them. Be courteous and respectful even in the state of anger.

Expectation: I will spend my husband's money as I like
Reality: You are now the lady of the house. It is your responsibility to make sure that the house expenditures run efficiently. Well, who doesn't like shopping? But, set priorities and be a helpful and considerate spouse, rather than a shopaholic spendthrift. Make efforts to strengthen your Iman and do not indulge too much in the worldly desires. In Surah Al-Araf, we are told, "O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying and going round (the Tawaf of ) the Kabah, and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)." (Al-Araf 7:31)

The Satan gives a big reward to the subordinate who has created differences and distances between the husband and the wife in the form of arguments, disagreements and fights.

My dear sisters, the relation of a husband and wife is the first relation to come into existence i.e. that of Hazrat Adam (as) and bibi Hawa (as). The Satan gives a big reward to the subordinate who has created differences and distances between the husband and the wife in the form of arguments, disagreements and fights.

We, at times, have such high expectations from our marital lives that even a slightest issue disrupts the harmony which we had imagined; and we tend to give up hope. Marriage is a relationship upon which you and your spouse have to work coherently. Learn to adjust, learn to give-in, to forgive, understand each other and above all respect one another. May Allah (swt) guide us to the best of knowledge and Iman.

Ibn Qayyim said: "The (path) always starts with trials and tests, then comes the period of patience and reliance (upon Allah (swt)), and the end is enlightenment, guidance and victory." (Shifaa' Al-Aleel)

Your not alone dear sisters, your not the only ones, we just have to hold on to patience, to our iman and deal with our husband and our in laws, the way we would want our sister in law to deal with our brother and parent's, and with us.

Would we like it if we heard our sister in law constantly fights and argues with our brother? Would we like it if she disrespect and disregards our parents? Spending our brothers money so extravagantly and him in turn stressed out and worried?

Then why when it comes to someone else's brother and someone else's parent's, we behave as if we can do as we want, when we want, however we want.

Remember dear sisters, KARMA is REAL and it will come back to haunt us.

PRIDE AND ANGER ALWAYS LEADS TO DOWNFALL

May Allah help you and I, and protect our families, new ones and existing ones and make from us good, understanding and patient daughters and daughter in laws. Ameen