Handbook of a Healthy Muslim Marriage

Handbook of a Healthy Muslim Marriage by Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera will be the first book I give my son as he begins to contemplate the life stage of marriage and family. In this book, Mufti Mangera discusses every aspect of marriage including choosing a spouse, the wedding itself, creating a life together, children, sexuality, and also marital problems and issues of divorce. He includes anecdotal experiences along with legal explanations and cultural discussions. This book encourages the reader to grow his mindset from thinking solely about the legalities of marriage to contemplating its realities, with sweet tips about romance and just plain old goodness.

Alhamdulillah, this is a very well thought-out and well-written book on the details of such an important topic. Shaykh Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera has indeed simplified the subject in a way that is clear, to the point and beneficial. May Allah Almighty grant his work acceptance and reward him in this world and the next. Aameen.

Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera’s well-written work, titled “Handbook of a Healthy Muslim Marriage is basically just that: a book and a guide that every Muslim couple should keep as a handy resource throughout their journey of marriage. In some ten chapters, the author – in a casual and descriptive manner – discusses and provides practical solutions to the various issues that arise in any given marriage. Examples quoted from real life scenarios and experiences really make the book personal and relatable to each reader.” I pray Allah Most High accept it and make it beneficial, Amin.

With a wealth of experience and a warm, sympathetic tone, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman brings the insight of a scholar with thousands of hours of spiritual and marital-counselling practice and Islamic erudition to his subject. He answers questions of a practical nature about finding a spouse, approaching intimacy, dealing with cultural expectations, and navigating conflict, while also grounding the discussion in Islamic principles and elevating our view of marriage as an arena to show good character and ethical behaviour….

I believe that no Imam should perform a nikah (wedding) ceremony unless the prospective couple has had premarital counselling and demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the fiqh (rulings) associated with marriage and, very importantly, the spirit of those rulings. Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera’s book, in my opinion, would be ideally suited as an in-depth prerequisite course of marital counselling for a prospective bride and groom, and should be required reading for all parties involved. May Allah Ta’ala reward Shaykh Abdur-Rahman for this labour of love and accept from him.

Masha Allah all the information is well put, organized and clearly stated. Despite being “written by a man” I think women will find it quite fair, if not advantageous to them and their personal experiences.

I really like the fact that the book is an easy read and touches upon topics which other books consider unimportant to talk about. I also like that the book begins with the procedure of finding a partner and ends with divorce, covering almost all aspects, even having children and still making an effort for your spouse.