19/08/2026
*"THE TEST OF THE TWO HOMES: A STORY OF HAJIA MEMUNAT & SULEIMAN"*
In a quiet community in Ilorin lived two couples who were known for their deen and good character.
*Couple 1: Hajia Memunat and Alhaji Suleiman*
They had been married for 12 years. Suleiman was a hardworking businessman. Hajia Memunat was a teacher at an Islamic school. They had 3 children and were respected in the mosque.
*Couple 2: Brother Yusuf and Sister Aisha*
Yusuf was Suleimanās younger brother. Aisha was Memunatās close friend from Quran class. They were newly married, just 2 years.
For a while, both homes were peaceful. But then, *difficulties began to test them.*
*THE DIFFICULTIES THAT OCCURRED*
*1. COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN*
Suleiman was always busy with work. He would come home late, tired, and go straight to sleep. Hajia Memunat felt lonely and unheard. She would say, "You donāt talk to me anymore."
Suleiman would reply, "Iām doing all this for the family."
_The gap grew._
In Yusuf and Aishaās home, the opposite happened. They talked too much and argued over small things - money, phone, in-laws. Shaitan was whispering: _"Your spouse doesnāt value you."_
*2. FINANCIAL PRESSURE*
Business became slow for Suleiman. Debts piled up. He became moody and short-tempered. Hajia Memunat tried to help by taking extra lessons, but Suleiman felt his "role as provider" was being questioned. Pride came between them.
Yusuf and Aisha also struggled. Aisha wanted to continue her studies, but Yusuf said, "We donāt have money." Resentment grew.
*3. IN-LAW INTERFERENCE & JEALOUSY*
Suleimanās mother would complain to him: "Memunat is too strict with the children."
Memunatās sister would tell her: "Suleiman doesnāt appreciate you."
Instead of blocking it, they both listened.
Yusuf and Aisha faced the same. Comparison entered: "Look at Suleiman and Memunat, their home is peaceful." But nobody knew the truth.
*4. SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS*
Because of stress, both couples started missing tahajjud, rushing salah, and arguing after Jumuāah. The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: _"The best of you are those who are best to their wives"_. But they forgot to apply it at home.[Tirmidhi]
*THE TURNING POINT*
One Friday, the Imam gave a khutbah on Surah Ar-Rum 30:21:
*"And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy."*
That night, both couples cried.
Suleiman went to Memunat and said, "Iām sorry. I forgot that provision is from Allah, not just my effort. Letās make dua together."
Memunat replied, "And Iām sorry for not being patient. Letās go back to Allah first."
Yusuf and Aisha sat down and made 3 rules:
1. No phones after Isha - only Quran and talking
2. No complaining about in-laws to each other
3. Weekly "house meeting" to solve problems with shura
They also started giving sadaqah together, even if small. The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: _"Charity does not decrease wealth."_
*THE LESSON*
6 months later, both homes were not perfect, but they were peaceful.
*What saved them:*
1. *Taqwa first* - They returned to Allah in sujud
2. *Good communication* - Speaking with respect, no insults
3. *Trust in Allah* - Knowing rizq is written
4. *Blocking third parties* - Not carrying tales
5. *Remembering the purpose* - Marriage is half of deen
Allah says: *"...and live with them in kindness"* [An-Nisa 4:19]
---
*3 PIECES OF ADVICE FOR EVERY MUSLIM COUPLE*
1. *Before you talk, make wudu.* Anger cools with water.
2. *Say "JazakAllah khayr" daily.* Appreciation kills ingratitude.
3. *Pray 2 rakahs together weekly.* Nothing unites like sujud together.
May Allah put mawaddah and rahmah between all Muslim couples. Ameen.
