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From the Minbar: Chief Imam Urges Piety and Good Conduct for Successful Marriages

During the Friday Khutbah of 12th September 2025, the Chief Imam, Professor Mufutau Oloyede Abdulrahman, reminded the congregation that marriage is the most important and intimate of all human relationships. In Islam, marriage holds a central place, and its importance is as clear as the full moon.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Marriage is my Sunnah; whoever abandons it is not from me.” Allah describes marriage in Qur’an 4:21 as a miithaqan ghalidhan — a strong covenant.

The Chief Imam stressed that piety and good conduct are essential for a successful marriage. Good conduct includes modesty, humility, decency, and care. Piety means keeping Allah at the forefront of one’s mind before taking action. A person who makes decisions without considering their family acts selfishly, and may even be cruel.

He advised that decisions should always take into account the welfare of the household, wife, and children. Sometimes the right choice is to forgo opportunities that would disrupt the family’s peace. True peace of mind, he said, lies in making decisions that are fair to all under one’s care.

The Chief Imam reminded men in particular that they will face decisions requiring sacrifice, but warned against acting without consultation. Piety and good conduct, he emphasized, remain the foundation of a healthy Muslim family.

Referring to the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Farewell Sermon, the Chief Imam noted that a considerable portion of the final message focused on marriage and family life, with direct advice to both men and women.

He further explained that marriage is rooted in Islamic law for Muslims. Many societal crises, he observed, stem from failed family structures. If parents addressed marital issues properly, many wider problems would be prevented.

Islam is a complete way of life, and marriage is the cornerstone of society. Companionship, comfort, and emotional stability are meant to be found within this institution. Seeking these outside marriage contradicts its purpose. This is why nikāh (marriage) and islāh (reconciliation) are central to the faith.

He concluded by stressing that a successful Muslim marriage is built on piety, good conduct, mutual respect, and fulfilling each other’s rights within the bounds of Islamic law. Marriage is a fundamental institution, crucial for a fulfilling religious life and for the continuity of the human race.

Finally, the Chief Imam remarked that the success of every nation depends on the quality of relationships among its members, and marriage is the foundation of them all. The sermon ended with prayers for the congregation and especially for the Palestinians.