Sexual Relations in Islam [1 of 5] - Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari

In a time where marriage, especially as portrayed by the media, is considered boring, and artificial, shallow relationships based on lust are encouraged, how can we as Muslims living in Western societies adhere to the Prophet's sunnah and how do we define 'romantic love' in accordance with Shari'ah and Islam? This is part 1 of 5 of a lecture (and one of three lectures given at a conference titled 'Beauty of Marriage in Islam' held in the UK January 20th, 2009) by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam-al-Kawthari. At the heart of it all is the issue of fulfilling others' rights: a wife's right, a husband's right, a child’s right, and most importantly, the concept of Taqwa, or fear of Allah, that leads us to fulfill each other's rights in the best manner possible, as exemplified by the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad ('alayhi salatu wa salaam).

Sumeyya