Friday Sermon: Think before you divorce

Married couples should refrain from divorcing over petty reasons, says sermon.

Married couples should refrain from divorcing for petty reasons and work hard to preserve their relationship, this week's sermon tells worshippers.
Marital relationships are an example of Allah's mercy, says the sermon, which quotes a verse from the Quran: "And of His signs is this: He created for you spouses from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect."
The sermon also tells men to be kind to their wives, both verbally and in their actions, and to avoid frowning at their wives for no reason.
The Prophet Mohammed told his companions that the best of them was the one who treated his family best.
He himself was compassionate with his family and always cheerful and kind.
A wife's role is to make her husband happy. She should share her husband's hopes and dreams and protect his children.
Prophet Mohammed said in a hadith that if a woman prays the five obligatory prayers, fasts during Ramadan, refrains from adultery and obeys her husband then she will be told on judgement day to enter paradise from any gate she chooses.
He also warned women against seeking divorce for no reason.
"When married life undergoes stress and troubles, couples should not rush into separation and divorce, but both husbands and wives should try to discuss and reconcile," continues the sermon.
"If all resolutions fail and they reach divorce the man should not pronounce the divorce while he is angry or irrational."
According to the Quran: "To forgo is nearer to piety. And forget not kindness among yourselves. Allah sees what you do."
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