Muslim marriages, not unlike marriages in other faith communities, are in trouble. Alhamdulillah, some marriages are surviving and thriving despite the challenges they may face; however, one out of three Muslim marriages end in divorce, and many couples that remain married are unhappy and dysfunctional. Additionally, many of our singles who want to marry have not been able to meet someone with whom they are compatible, and others are not making wise choices. Parents, family members, and community leaders are at a loss for what is needed to stem the tide and make a good difference in Muslim Marriages.
This year marks 25 years of the Islamic Social Services Association-USA (ISSA-USA), a nonprofit and trailblazer in Muslim mental health and social services. The Sakinah Healthy Marriage Initiative and the National Muslim Marriage Week are ISSA programs and campaigns that promote healthy marriage, premarital education and counseling, zero tolerance of domestic violence, and marriage education throughout the various stages of marriage. ISSA recognizes that a healthy marriage leads to healthy families and communities.
InshaAllah, on November 2, 2024, ISSA-USA plans to host a day-long, in-person marriage summit in Phoenix, Arizona. The summit will bring together professionals in the field, key community leaders, imams, single community members, and parents to discuss successes, challenges, and strategies to promote healthy, happy, long-lasting Muslim marriages that lead to healthy communities of belonging. The day will culminate with a celebration of ISSA’s 25th Anniversary.
To learn more about ISSA-USA, its anniversary celebration, and the upcoming marriage summit, see issausa.org
Dr. Aneesah Nadir is a social worker, retired University social work professor. She is a cofounder and president of the nonprofit Islamic Social Services Association-USA celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Dr. Nadir is also the founder and president of Dr. Aneesah Nadir & Associates Before the Nikah Institute and the author of the book, Before the Nikah, Proven Principles to Help Single Muslims Choose Wisely and Build Strong Marriages. Dr Nadir can be reached at draneesah@gmail.com
