Islam_in_Focus_text

To insure this result, Islam has laid down certain regula-
tions to give every possible assurance that marriage will
serve its purpose fully. Among these regulations are the fol-
lowing:
1
.
The two parties should acquire a fair knowledge of
each other in a way that does not involve any immoral or de-
ceptive and exploitative behavior.
2. Man in particular is exhorted to choose his female
partner on the basis of her permanent values, i. e, religious
devotion, moral integrity, character, etc, and not on the ba-
sis of her wealth or family prestige or rnere physical attrac-
tions.
3. Woman is given the right to make sure that the pro-
posing man is a suitable match, worthy of her respect and
love, and capable of making her happy. On this ground, she
may reject the proposal of a man whom she finds below her
level or unfit, because this may hinder the fulfilment of her
obligations as a wife and may even break her would-be mar-
riage.
4. Woman has a right to demand a dowry from her suit-
or according to her standards and also according to his
means. If she wishes to disregard this right and accept him
with a little or no dowry, she may do so. The injunction of
dowry on man is to assure the woman that she is wanted,
needed, and that the man is prepared and willing to under-