13. The Call of Human Nature

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said: “Of all the things in this world, women and perfume have been made dear to me, while prayer has been made my greatest source of joy.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 3939)

Although this hadith is expressed in the first person, it points to a universal aspect of human nature. Human beings are naturally drawn towards a spouse and regard their partner as the complementary part of their existence. A person feels, with their whole being, that without this partner, their life remains incomplete. This inclination has been built into human nature and is common to all people.

The task that men and women undertake together in this world is extremely demanding and challenging. To make this difficult journey more bearable and fulfilling, love and affection have been placed in their hearts for one another. This bond of mutual affection is what gives stability to human society. In collective life, love acts like a binding force, holding people together. Without it, both the family and society would fall into disorder and fragmentation. The deepest form of closeness and complete communion is found only in the relationship between husband and wife.