This event was also held last year, and is described below:

At the heart of a time when the concept of marriage is being ridiculed, discouraged and alienated, when the rates of divorce are increasing exponentially, when long-term relationships are becoming more the exception than the rule; the Montreal based group, The Path of Light launched their first marriage seminar The Realities of Marriage. The seminar aimed to support the noble unions formed already and to give a good foundation for those to be formed. This was done with the assistance of respected and knowledgeable guest speakers: Sayed Mustafa al-Qazwini, Sheikh Saleem Bhimji, Sis Arifa Hudda and Sis Latifa Samji, and through God the Almighty’s support.

The topics were addressed in the form of lectures, workshops, as well as question and answer sessions. There was also a kiosk which gave health tips for nutritious diets, pregnancy, breastfeeding and personal hygiene set up by Sister Ruba Haidar, a dietetics student in her last year.

The seminar began with a short introduction and talk by Shaykh Saleem Bhimji on the Objective of Marriage in Islam and its Role in Society. As we know, the institution of marriage is highly esteemed within the fold of Islam, yet its primary objective does not receive due attention. Thus, this lecture focused on the objectives of marriage in Islam, why it is considered to be half of our deen and the role that it plays in advancing and protecting any given society.

The eminent scholar, Sayed Mustafa al-Qazwini, from Orange County, California spoke on Preparing Oneself for Marriage. In his words of guidance, he noted that akhlaaq, self-refinement and purification of the soul are struggles, which endure a lifetime. He mentioned that one must prepare him/herself to the best of their abilities for marriage.  For in most instances individuals are able to specify that which they seek in a mate, but do not always possess such qualities or characteristics in themselves.

Some specific tips for improving one’s akhlaaq so as to lay the foundation to be a suitable mate in wedlock were also given to the audience. There were also workshops which were inter-twined with the lectures. The first such session consisted of three concurrent discussions carried out by the invited scholars.

In addition, the three day program saw over 25 other topics for discussion in the form of lectures and workshops:

1. Different sex drives – how to cope
2. Post-Marital Counseling – Overcoming roadblocks and avoiding divorce
3. Dealing with extended families and in-laws
4. Financial Responsibilities

Indeed, all of the attendees were eager to learn about the topics presented ranging from role of marriage in society, spousal selection, avoiding excesses in engagements and weddings, keeping the balance in the home, avoiding monotony in marriage, relations with in-laws, domestic violence, marital counseling etc. Their eagerness was especially clear when the audience found it difficult to choose between 2-3 topics that were available simultaneously in the form of workshops! In such cases, husbands and wives split up to gain maximum benefit from the scholars present!

Moreover, in order to give a boost to those who are single and in search of a suitable spouse, the Marriage Application Form project was launched allowing those who are single to confidentially provide their information to the Path Of Light group which has a small committee dedicated to look through the applications and help find matches based on the information included in the application.

Of course it was not all lectures, there were breaks to allow for socializing, networking, raffle prizes and more.