Seek understanding and learn

MALAYSIA is one of the countries in the world with a population comprising more than 50 per cent of Muslims and Islam as the official religion.

To increase population and restore family institutions, Muslims are encouraged to get married. Marriage is not simply an occasion of “being together”, but the binding of two lives.

To maintain a harmonious marriage, every couple goes through experiences and learn from them.

A Muslim couple will perform akad nikah as an obligation to purify their relationship. The word zawj is used in the Quran to mean a pair or a mate. In general, its usage refers to marriage. Islam encourages marriage, which is a phase in life that promises blessing and sustenance.

However, not all marriages are successful. Some couples struggle in their relationship, while others seek freedom (divorce) when they find no way to save the marriage. Islam discourages divorce — it is the most hateful thing that is permissible.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of divorce cases among Muslims in Malaysia. They involve couples aged between 20 and 40. The number of cases rose from 20,916 in 2004 to 47,740 in 2012, and to 49,311 last year.

The Islamic Religious Department of Selangor has urged young Muslims to reconsider marrying early. It says a couple must understand the meaning of marriage, family and parenting before tying the knot.

Divorce cases in Selangor also increase every year. The state has the most number of divorce cases among couples aged between 20 and 40.

Most marriages do not last longer than 10 years. The main reason is incompatibility between the couples. Also, with more women in the workforce, they are independent and can support themselves.

Advancement in technology also contributes to a rise in divorce cases.

There is no one reason why divorce cases are on the rise — it is a combination of reasons. And, there is no definitive solution to the issue of divorce. Marriage counsellors can help, but cannot provide a solution.

Therefore, couples must understand their partners well before taking the plunge.

Love alone is sometimes not enough to solve problems in a marriage.

FATIMAH AZZAHRAH HASHIM International Islamic University Malaysia International Islamic University, Kuala Lumpur