Here are a number of frequently asked questions and answers concerning the Successful Spouse Selection and Pre-Marriage Course:
1. Who is this course for?
The course is suited for brothers and sisters who are in the stage of thinking about marriage and want guidance on important considerations to make the right decisions. Some may want to find out if they’re ready, others on how to approach the first meeting, or what to ask, and how do I know if the person is right. Whilst some may want to clarify Islamic rulings on what is permitted and what is not.
2. Is there an age-limit for attendees?
The course is open to all brothers and sisters over 18.
3. Can I attend one of the two days?
The course has been carefully designed by the facilitators to make sure key issues are covered through an interactive process. A wide variety of topics will be explored across the two-days. Whilst it’s highly recommended to attend both days, you are welcome to register if you can only attend one day
4. What will be the style of learning during the course?
The facilitation for this course will be andragogic, in that active participation of attendees is strongly encouraged and expected. This has yielded positive outcomes and better learning from previous courses. There will be activities, role-plays, scenarios as well as Q&A sessions Inshallah.
5. Do scholars supervise the course?
Yes. Importantly due to nature of the event, the course is supervised by Ayatollah Sayid Fadhil Milani and by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli.
6. I would like to attend, and I think it’s important, but I feel I will be judged?
The course has been designed and organised to meet the ever-growing needs of the community. Statistics show increase in divorce rates, including the Muslim community, and this is partly due to the lack of understanding of what married life entails, as well as choosing the right partner. This course is primarily educational and seeks to inspire the participants to increase their knowledge in the spouse selection and pre-marriage process.
This course is not for match making nor any other motive, but rather to build a good foundation for our community in enhancing essential skillets needed for a successful marriage in the future Insha’Allah.
7. Who are the facilitators?
Briefly they are:
- Ayatollah Sayid Fadhil Milani: Senior scholar and Imam of Al-Khoei Islamic centre. He has dealt with hundreds of marital and family related cases
- Dr Sarfraz Jeraj: A psychologist and trained facilitator, he is currently the President of Hyderi Islamic Centre, London
- Sr Shaheen Merali: Co-author of 2 books on marriage and family life, including spouse selection. Has facilitated many marriage courses and workshops
- Sr Annie Shamsi: A psychologist with a keen interest in inter-personal relationships. Has facilitated marriage courses as well as other workshops.
- Br Abbas Merali: Co-author of 2 books on marriage and family life, including spouse selection. Has facilitated many marriage courses and workshops
- Br Ashiq Damani: Has facilitated many marriage courses and workshops.
- Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli: Head of Islamic Education at Noor Trust
All the facilitators were involved in the previous marriage course that was successfully conducted last May Alhamdulillah.
8. Have you organised similar courses before?
In May 2015, 27 brothers and sisters took part in the ‘Successful Marriage Course’ over two days. The feedback was excellent, and the participants thoroughly enjoyed the style of presentation and the interactive nature of the course. The majority said it surpassed their expectations, and they would love to take part in master-classes or future workshops.
9. Will lunch and refreshments be provided?
Yes, for both days.
10. Will participants receive certificates of attendance?
Yes Insha’Allah. The certificates will be handed on the last day and are endorsed by Ayatollah Milani and Sheikh Al-Hilli
11. I’m currently engaged or about to get married, is this course suitable?
We will be holding the ‘Successful Marriage’ Course for those engaged and married within last five years later in the year Insha’Allah.