Muslim-Specific Books on Marriage

Before You Tie the Knot by Salma Abugideiri and Imam Mohamed Magid: “This book is invaluable for anyone seeking marriage, as well as for parents who are involved in their children’s marriage process. Those getting remarried after a divorce or death of a spouse will also find this book extremely useful. The authors raise thought-provoking questions to help readers increase self-awareness, clarify what is desired in a spouse and in a marriage, and help them get to know a potential spouse.” For the prospective couple to help explore and adjust their expectations about their relationship and the reality of marriage.

Blissful Marriage by Dr. Ekram & Dr. Rida Beshir: “This book contains the right mix of theory and practice due to the authors’ wealth of experience in marriage counseling in North America. All its contents are based on Islamic references from Qur’an and Sunnah and their applications to the contemporary environment.” Basing the principles of a blissful marriage on inspiration from the Islamic and Prophetic tradition, this book can make for great discussions with a potential or committed partner around the spiritual dimensions of a marriage.

Dwell in Tranquility: An Islamic Roadmap to a Vibrant Marriage by Kamal Shaarawy: “Virtually everything we embark on in life requires some training and education, and marriage is no exception. This practical marriage guide combines the sublime knowledge of Islamic teachings with scientific research and over 20 years of professional counseling experience. Thought-provoking exercises help spouses or potential spouses understand themselves, recognize true compatibility in a partner, avoid common pitfalls within marriage, and build a strong and loving partnership.” This is a great read for a couple that has found compatibility in the initial stages of the relationship and wants to continue exploring one another as they prepare for marriage.

The Muslim Marriage Guide by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood: “Far from the sociological analysis or list of rules that fill other books about Islamic marriage, this book draws from the wisdom of the Sunnah to show how to love your partner in this life and prepare each other for the next. Written with plenty of real-life experience (and even humor) from Muslims living in the West, the author balances the issues of male-female differences, respect for each other’s rights and needs and raising God-conscious children.” Basing the principles of a blissful marriage on inspiration from the Islamic and Prophetic tradition, this book can make for great discussions with a potential or committed partner around the spiritual dimensions of a marriage.

Like Glue: The Little Book of Marriage Advice We Should Have Stuck to from the Beginning by Zarinah Al-Amin and Dr. Halim Naeem: “Marriage is like gardening. The farmer cannot reap what the farmer does not sow. Put in the work, and your marriage benefits. Leave it stagnant, and the weeds take over. Plain and simple. LIKE GLUE by Dr. Halim Naeem and Zarinah El-Amin Naeem is filled with practical advice to help you build love, respect, and FUN in your marriage.” This book is a fun read for a couple to share and discuss at any stage of their relationship.

Classic Must-Reads

Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman: “This book features learning experiences from the author’s own marriage, such as realizing “that toilets are not self-cleaning” and “that romantic love has two stages.” Each chapter ends with questions and activities for the couple to explore together. This is a relatable, easy read for a prospective couple to help explore and adjust their expectations about their relationship and the reality of marriage.

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by G. Chapman: “In the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner—starting today.” This is a great read for a couple that has found compatibility in the initial stages of the relationship and wants to continue exploring one another as they prepare for marriage.

Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last by Dr. John Gottman: “This breakthrough book guides you through a series of self-tests designed to help you determine what kind of marriage you have, where your strengths and weaknesses are, and what specific actions you can take to help your marriage.” This is a great read for a couple that has found compatibility in the initial stages of the relationship and wants to continue exploring one another as they prepare for marriage.  

His Needs, Her Needs by Dr. Willard Harley: “In the classic bestseller His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr., identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses.” This is for the prospective couple to help explore and adjust their expectations about their relationship and the reality of marriage.

12 Hours to a Great Marriage: A Step-by-Step Guide for Making Love Last by Howard Markman: Based on the highly sought-out PREP workshop, this book outlines 12 strategies to develop, protect, and enhance your marriage. This is a great book for a couple to explore together. Each chapter is designed to be covered in one hour.

Fighting for Your Marriage by H. Markman: Also based on the PREP approach, this book is a practical guide to build the skill of handling conflict in a relationship, and strengthen the marriage with a lasting bond. In this edited version, the author draws from the most recent developments in the field of marriage and relationship research. This is a great read for a couple that has found compatibility in the initial stages of the relationship and wants to continue exploring one another as they prepare for marriage.   

7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Steven Covey: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families shows how and why to have family meetings, the importance of keeping promises, how to balance individual and family needs, and how to move from dependence to interdependence.” This book is for the couple that has decided to commit to one another; after working through one of the recommended resources that focus on building the marriage and your understanding of one another, read this book together to explore and create traditions for your relationship as it grows into a family.

Sex and Intimacy

Real Questions, Real Answers about Sex: The Complete Guide to Intimacy as God Intended by Melissa & Louis McBurney: Written by a Christian couple from a Biblical perspective, this book touches on sex and intimacy from a spiritual, physical and therapeutic perspective. With the honest, humorous insight of both a man and woman, the authors answer all types of questions around sex. This book can be helpful for couples to read just before, or after marriage.

Islamic Guide to Sexual Relations by Muhammad Al-Kawthari: “While being respectful and dignified in the language he employs, the author does not shy away from discussing sensitive issues. He records, in thorough detail, the guidance Islam provides regarding sexual encounters with one’s spouse.” This book can be helpful for couples to read just before, or after their marriage.