“And among His Signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them”.
Translation of the Holy Qur’an 30:21
The above verse from the Quran highlights one of the signs of Allah’s creation and wisdom in establishing the institution of marriage. It emphasizes that Allah has created marriage for human beings as a special blessing and sign of His kindness, generosity, and mercy to find tranquility, peace, and comfort in the companionship of one’s spouse. Through healthy marriages, we can experience emotional, physical, and spiritual tranquility that comes from the companionship, love, and support of a lifelong partner.
Through MANA’s ongoing Healthy Marriage Virtual Town Hall series, we have been striving to have meaningful conversations that strengthen marriages within the African-American Muslim community. Our distinguished panelists have shared a wealth of knowledge, including Imams, counselors, and community leaders, who have delved into various aspects of healthy relationships based on Islamic teachings and personal experiences.
In the first Town Hall session, the emphasis was on understanding and embodying the prophetic model of marriage, drawing inspiration from the qualities demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who demonstrated care, compassion, and respect in his marital relationships. Panelists included Imam Nadim Ali, Imam Tariq Khan, and Sr. Naamau Tahiru who highlighted the importance of premarital counseling, character references, and the need for individuals to possess both religious knowledge and emotional maturity before entering into marriage. Addressing the challenges faced by African-American Muslim families, the discussion aimed to provide guidance that promotes healthier marriages.
Subsequently, the second town hall explored key themes essential for fostering strong marriages, including mutual respect, individual health, and effective communication. Looking at the prophetic model, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) placed great emphasis on communication, conflict resolution, and mutual understanding between spouses and encouraged intimacy, affection, and fulfillment of each other’s rights and needs within marriage.
The panelists were Imam Nadim Ali, Shaykh Mateen Sabree, and Dr. Aneesah Nadir. The conversation underscored the significance of self-awareness, self-respect, and coping with personal traumas before marriage to avoid bringing unresolved issues into marital relationships. The importance of premarital counseling was reiterated, along with discussions on cultural challenges and building strong communities through nurturing healthy marriages and individuals.
The third Town Hall session focused on the importance of understanding the prophetic model of marriage in creating strong communities emphasizing effective communication, premarital counseling, and the role of romance and affection in relationships. Drawing on the examples set by Prophet Muhammad as a “perfect husband,” the panelists provided valuable insights for participants to nurture healthier marriages informed by our Islamic principles and personal development.
In the fourth town hall participants had gender-specific discussions in breakout rooms to discuss the importance of self-awareness, healthy communication, and premarital counseling for building strong marriages.
Overall, the town hall series has served as a valuable platform to engage in discussions surrounding marriage, relationships, and personal growth. By addressing pertinent issues, providing guidance, and encouraging active participation, we pray that it is playing a pivotal role in promoting healthier marriages and building stronger communities.
As the conversations continue, there is optimism for further growth, understanding, and support within the community to foster fulfilling and lasting marital relationships.
The next town hall will take place on April 25th 6:30 PM EST with special guest Marcus and Cecilia Muhammad authors of 17 books, including Conflict Resolution: Let There Be Peace!. Here is the link to register.
Akanke is a native of Atlanta who now resides in Dayton, Ohio. She has also lived in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Grenada, West Indies. She discovered Islam in 1994, and her faith, spirituality, and personal development have been the driving force in her life ever since. A graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Communication, Akanke focused on film, TV, and cultural anthropology during her studies. Her career is diverse, and her interests span various media platforms. From producing TV and radio shows to creating documentaries, coaching individuals towards empowerment, creating and exhibiting unique abstract paintings, providing public speaking guidance, delivering leadership training, and lending her voiceover talent to various projects, she strives sincerely to make a lasting and authentic impact wherever she goes. Akanke has been a dedicated supporter of MANA since 2007, currently serving as the organization’s Board Vice President. In this role, she plays a key part in shaping the organization’s vision and strategy. Additionally, she serves as the part-time Communications Director, where she excels in crafting compelling communication tools, including newsletters, articles, graphic designs, and social media campaigns. Through her work with MANA, Akanke continues to make a positive difference, using her talents and passion to uplift and inspire others.
