What Are You Waiting For By Aishat Elusogbon

"What are you waiting for?"

I direct this question to all and sundry of the Muslim Ummah. What exactly are you waiting for?

Money? You have it.

A stable source of Halal income? Check.

A decent home? Double check.

Your parents' approval? Done.

And finally, Mr/Miss Right? Triple check.

So what exactly are you waiting for?

You pretty well know that there's nothing holding you back from finally becoming official, so what's keeping you?

It's funny, really. Several people are out there, having one reason or the other why they cannot get married. Perhaps there isn't enough money to start a family, or perhaps they're having a hard time convincing their parents that they are old enough to know what is best for them, or maybe they just haven't seen someone who fits.

But you, you, have seen someone, and there's nothing stopping you. Yet you've decided to hold on for a little while. After all, what's the rush?

Words like these make me smile. What's the rush? In a world where anything can happen at anytime, where temptations could occur , where enemies could spring up, where accidents could hp, you're asking what's the rush?

I repeat, I'm not speaking to those who aren't sure yet; those who, for one reason or the other, can't get married. I'm talking to those who are ready. There's nothing stopping them. Those are those I'm conversing with.

You're wasting your time and hers/his, and you're endangering yourselves. Because trust me, Shaytan is always alert and ready. Just one mistake, one mistake and he'll pull you both into the well of zina. And as we all know, even if you're able to climb out of that well, you'll still be wet with it. And depending on your level of faith, the guilt will haunt you for a long long time.

It's no use spending two years getting to know each other. True colours will not come out until you get married. I'm not just talking about pretence; that's another level. Because if someone has evil reason to marry you he/she will wear the mask for as long as possible to achieve his/her aim.

I'm talking about those hidden qualities, good and not so good, that could not be revealed because of the fact that you both are Non-Mahrams to each other. There'll still be distance between you both during the courtship period (If you're courting in the Halal way), so don't bother thinking that you can know everything about each other before you get married. You'll just have to, like every other big decision you'll make in life, take the risk.

But don't worry. Don't let Shaytan scare you. Put your trust in Allah and Pray. Emphasis on Pray.

We ask Allah Azwaajal to safeguard us from the trap of Shaytan, and to grant us the courage to take the bold step that would change our lives. And we pray that He provides all that is necessary and more for those who are willing to get married. Aamiin