Brides POV

I was never against arranged marriages unlike the people of my generation. However, I’ve always wanted to abide by my father’s wish, which he hopes that us, siblings, would choose to become successful before entering matrimony. And because of that, I was never really in such a rush to get married. Many matchmaking was deflected because of my desire to become a doctor first for both my grandmother, Ina Lali, and my parents. But, no matter how carefully I plan for the future I envisioned, not everything unfolds according to expectations — a marriage proposal arrived and was accepted through my parents’ approval.

I was hesitant at first ‘cause I never really expected that I would be chosen for an arranged marriage. Nonetheless, I conceded to my parents’ decision because I believe that following my parents’ guidance is a righteous deed and a show of my filial piety towards them. Besides, their guidance often comes from their love, experience, and sincere desire for my well-being and never have they harbored any ill intentions for my future — and that I know with all my heart. Also, obeying my parents is my way of honoring and respecting them. Above all, I have ingrained in my heart the saying in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216, “But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.” Qadr is qadr, as they say, and I have come to believe it wholeheartedly. If my soon-to-be-husband is fated for me, then I would gladly accept it in hopes of attaining Allah’s pleasure and be grateful to Allah (SWT) for him. Rather than relying on my own plans and emotions, I place my trust in Allah, that what He plans is always what’s best for me — may it be in this Dunya or the Akhira. 

With His plans and mercy, I would walk this path with you hand and hand, and may we gain the blessings and pleasure of Allah for we choose to believe in His infinite wisdom. Whatever may lay ahead, I would strive to fulfill my responsibilities as your soon-to-be-wife with patience, kindness, and sincerity in face of joy, trials, and sacrifice. I will cherish this new bond that is to be bestowed upon us by Allah (SWT) with faith, mercy, and righteousness, so I take this step towards you, wishing that this journey together would bring us growth and a closer connection with Him. As Surah Ar-Rum 30:21 goes, “And among 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.” So maybe, I was the one He created for you, In Shaa Allah. And for that, may the home we build for the pleasure of Allah be filled with sakīnah (tranquility), mawaddah (love), barakah (blessings) and rahmah (mercy). Alhamdulillah for Allah’s perfect decree. May he bless our union in this life and reunite us in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Grooms POV

When I think about an arranged marriage, I see it as a journey that Allah has written for two people to walk together. It may not always be easy, but with the faith they have in Him and by staying by each other's side, every step becomes meaningful.

To me, marriage is not about finding the perfect person. It is about finding someone you can lean on, continue learning from, grow alongside, and choose every single day. Perhaps that is one of the beautiful ways Allah brings people together. Two individuals with different dreams, different experiences, different pasts, and different journeys, yet brought together by His perfect wisdom and mercy at exactly the right time.

I always believed that whatever Allah has written for us will always find its way to us. So, when this proposal came, and when it was accepted, I did not see it as chance. I saw it as decree. Allah does not make mistakes in what He decides for His servants. If you are the one He has chosen to walk beside me, then I accept with gratitude, and I promise to fulfill my responsibility with sincerity.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"And whoever relies upon Allah — then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose." (Surah At-Talaq, 65:3)

With this in mind, I trust that His plan for me is better than any plan I could have written for myself. Even in the parts I don't yet understand. And so, by His mercy, I take this step toward you. Not just as a decision that I'm making, but as a path I believe He has laid out for both of us. And it is the one where I hope it leads us closer to Him, together. From here on, I want to be someone you can rely on. I know that I won’t be perfect at it, but I intend to show up with patience when things are difficult, with kindness in our everyday lives, and with sincerity in how I treat you and this bond between us. This is the responsibility that Allah has placed in my hands, and I will not take that lightly.

Whatever this journey holds, I pray it draws the both of us nearer to Allah, and that in caring for you, I am also striving to please Him. I pray, and will always pray that the home we build for the sake of Allah will always be filled with peace, love, and mercy, and that we continue helping one another become better servants of Allah throughout our lives.

That is what marriage means to me, Hanna. Alhamdulillah, I am grateful that Allah allowed our paths to meet. And In Shaa Allah, I look forward to walking the rest of this journey with you through this life, and by Allah's mercy, into Jannah.