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one of his most unequivocal statements, the Prophet (^gS)<br />

declared that condemned are the men and women who relish<br />

the frequent change of marital partners, that is, the "tasters"<br />

who enjoy one partner for a while, then shift to another, then<br />

to a third, and so on.<br />

However, to <strong>in</strong>sist on the permanent character of marri-<br />

age does not mean that the marital contract is absolutely <strong>in</strong>-<br />

dissoluble. Muslims are designed by the Qur'an as a Middle<br />

Nation (LL-jj 5 *t) and <strong>Islam</strong> is truly a Religion of the<br />

"Golden Mean", the well-balanced and well-<strong>in</strong>tegrated sys-<br />

tem. This is particularly clear <strong>in</strong> the case of marriage which<br />

<strong>Islam</strong> regards as neither a sacrament nor a simple civil con-<br />

tract. Rather, marriage <strong>in</strong> <strong>Islam</strong> is someth<strong>in</strong>g unique with<br />

very special features of both sacramental and contractual na-<br />

ture. It is equally true that the alternative to this casual or<br />

temporary extremity is not the other extreme of absolute <strong>in</strong>-<br />

dissolubility of the marital contract. The <strong>Islam</strong>ic course is<br />

one of equitable and realistic moderation. The marriage con-<br />

tract should be taken as a serious, permanent bond. But if it<br />

does not work well for any valid reason, it may be term<strong>in</strong>at-<br />

ed <strong>in</strong> k<strong>in</strong>dness and honor, with equity and peace.<br />

3» Husband-Wife Relationship<br />

With piety as the basis of mate selection, and with the<br />

earnest satisfaction of the conditions of marriage, the parties

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