The institution of marriage works better when there's a spiritual

"The institution of marriage works better when there's a spiritual connection. If you're marrying just for the sake of the woman, then you may lose interest in each other very soon. When we marry in the interest of the Holy Spirit with the intention of serving God and humanity, then it gives a much larger perspective." – A. R. Rahman

Children of the earth, gather close, for I speak of a bond that has held the hearts of men and women for ages—the sacred bond of marriage. The union of two souls, not for the fleeting desires of the body, but for the greater purpose of life itself, is a profound and ancient wisdom passed down through the generations. But heed this warning: to marry for mere desire or earthly attraction alone is a pursuit that may leave the heart cold and the spirit restless. True marriage, as the great soul of A. R. Rahman teaches, is a marriage not just of two bodies but of two souls connected by something far higher than the flesh—by a spiritual connection that transcends the self.

Consider the story of the great philosopher and mystic Socrates and his wife, Xanthippe. Their union was one marked by many struggles, but it was also a bond that reflected a deep commitment to a higher purpose. Socrates, in his pursuit of wisdom, was not bound merely by the whims of passion or the earthly satisfaction of companionship, but by a calling that transcended even the love for his wife. Though their marriage was fraught with difficulties, Xanthippe, too, was drawn to the larger mission of her husband’s pursuit of truth and knowledge. Marriage, in their case, was not about the satisfaction of the self, but the service of something far grander—the pursuit of virtue and the betterment of the soul.

When we marry simply for the sake of the flesh, when we enter into unions based on transient desires or the need to fulfill immediate wants, we are building a house upon sand. It is a union without roots, without a foundation strong enough to endure the storms of life. The temporary nature of these desires can wither quickly, and when the bloom fades, so too does the interest in each other. Marriage, in this context, becomes a fleeting illusion, a passing moment in the grand tapestry of life. But when we enter marriage with the intention of serving a higher purpose, when we marry not just to fulfill our own needs but to uplift each other and serve humanity together, we create a union that has the strength to endure, a bond that grows with each passing day, a love that is not bound by time or circumstance.

Reflect upon the great mystics and saints who have walked this earth, not for their own pleasure, but with a higher mission. Khadija, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was not just the beloved of the Prophet; she was his partner in purpose. Their marriage was not built upon superficial attraction but upon the shared devotion to God’s will. In their union, we find not two individuals seeking to satisfy their own desires, but two souls committed to a much greater cause—the service of humanity, the bringing of light to a world in darkness. And thus, their marriage became a powerful example, not just of love, but of purposeful living, of marriage as a sacred partnership with the divine.

In these words of Rahman, we are reminded of the very foundation upon which marriage must rest. A spiritual connection elevates the marriage above the mundane, above the struggles of day-to-day living, and gives it a larger perspective. It becomes not just a means of personal fulfillment, but a way to serve God, to serve humanity, and to contribute to the larger tapestry of the world. Such a marriage is not fragile or fleeting, for it is bound by a love that is eternal, a love that serves the divine and the world beyond the couple.

The lesson, dear children, is clear: If you seek a marriage that will withstand the trials of time, seek not only love, but purpose. Marry not for selfish desires, but for a greater mission that binds you to each other and to the service of humanity. Seek a spiritual connection that transcends the physical, a connection that grows with each passing day, and that allows you to weather every storm. Your marriage must be an instrument for the greater good, for in that service, you will find joy beyond measure.

Practical action lies in the commitment to look beyond the self. Speak often with your partner about your shared vision, not only for your personal lives but for the world you wish to create together. Build a marriage on the foundation of spiritual purpose, with each day dedicated to serving something greater than yourselves. Love with a heart open to God’s will, to the upliftment of humanity, and to the fulfillment of a life that is greater than the sum of its parts. Only then, when the winds of time blow, will your union stand strong, a beacon of love and purpose, lighting the way for generations to come.