Liaison office of Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al Sistani (L.M.H.L) in London, Europe, North and South America.

He spoke at a Momin’s marriage ceremony in the city of Leicester/UK, attended by a large gathering of men and women. He pointed out that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) encouraged marriage and considered it one of his confirmed Sunnahs, by saying:
“Marriage is my Sunnah, and whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.” He also said: “No formation formed in Islam is more beloved to Allah than marriage.” This clearly indicates that marriage is a divine institution for the development of both the individual and society.
He also reminded the couple and those present of ten precepts related to this divine covenant:
1- Piety (Taqwa)
This foundation encompasses everything, as it is the true guarantee for the continuation and stability of the relationship, as Allah Almighty says: “And fear Allah, through Whom you ask one another, and [do not cut off] the ties of kinship. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.” (Quran 4:1) If the couple, in their interactions, are always conscious of this principle, they will not stray from the right path.
2- Good comportments ( Hussn-al Khulq)
This is the pillar of married life and a fundamental cornerstone of its success. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said, “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever treats his family well, Allah will increase his lifespan.” Kind words, smiles, and gentle treatment all create an atmosphere of precious emotional security.
3- Affection and Mercy
Not Argument and Accountability
Allah Almighty says, “And He placed between you affection and mercy.” Affection is showing and expressing love and drawing closer to one's spouse. Mercy is forbearance when mistakes are made, giving when needed, and standing by one another in times of hardship. It has been narrated from the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), “Affection is one-half of wisdom.”
4- Overlooking Minor Mistakes
No home is without mistakes, but the difference between a happy home and a fractured one lies in how mistakes are dealt with. Therefore, the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever does not overlook and turn a blind eye to many things will find their life troubled.” Not everything that is known should be said, and not every mistake should be addressed through confrontation. Sometimes, overlooking is more effective in reconciliation.
5 Understanding and Dialogue
Marital life does not continue with prolonged silence or sudden outbursts, but rather with purposeful dialogue, as Allah Almighty says; ((If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will bring them together. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.)) The intended meaning of purposeful dialogue is attentive listening, respecting the other's opinion, and seeking common ground.
6 - Fulfilling Marital Rights
Without Recompense
In married life there are mutual rights, but their beauty lies in fulfilling them with a spirit of love, not with a spirit of obligation, as Allah Almighty says: ((And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women)). And Imam Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him) said, as mentioned in the Treatise on Rights: ((And the wife's right is that she knows that Allah Almighty has made her a source of tranquillity and companionship for you, and that this is a blessing from Allah Almighty upon you, so honour her and treat her kindly))
7 - Patience is the Key to Stability
Life is never without pressures, and no human being is without shortcomings. Hence, patience is a necessity, not an option, as Allah Almighty says: ((And be patient, for indeed, Allah is with the patient.)) And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: ((Whoever is patient with the bad character of his wife, Allah will give him a reward like that given to Ayub for his trials.)) The same applies to the wife. By patience, we do not mean accepting injustice, but rather taking a gradual approach to reform, avoiding hasty decisions, and enduring life's ups and downs.
8 - Building Trust and Mutual Protection
Trust is the essence of a marriage. If it collapses, everything collapses. Allah Almighty says, "They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them." (Quran 2:187) Here, "clothing" signifies protection, closeness, and security. Therefore, it is not permissible to divulge marital secrets or expose flaws to others.
9 - Attending to Spiritual Aspects
This means that the home should never be devoid of remembrance of ِ Allah, lest it loses its blessings. Examples of this principle include praying in congregation, reciting the Quran, and supplication. The Ahlul-Bayt (peace be upon them) emphasized the importance of remembering Allah, as it brings tranquillity to the heart: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find serenity." (Quran 13:28)
10 - Remembering the ultimate goal of marriage
This goal is righteous children. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Among the blessings of a Muslim man is a righteous wife and righteous children.” He also said: “Marry and have children, for I will boast of your numbers before the nations on the Day of Resurrection, even if they are stillborn.”
In conclusion, the secret to marital happiness doesn’t lie in applying rules, but in adhering to these simple yet profound precepts: piety, good character, patience, and understanding.
The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) summarized the philosophy of life by saying: “Live among people in such a way that if you are absent, they long for you, and if you are gone, they weep for you.” And the one most deserving of this principle is one's spouse.
Finally, His Eminence blessed the couple and prayed that Allah unifies their hearts in piety, fill their lives with love and mercy, bless them with righteous children, make their home one where His name is mentioned, and grant them happiness in this world and the hereafter.