Marriage in Islam -- Part Four Previously, I presented the first step of the Islamic alternative for marriage procedure. Here is part two. 2. Proposal session By a proposal session I do not mean a session in which the boy kneels and ask the girl if she would marry him. It is completely different. If it is possible, this meeting must be scheduled by the parents of both parties. The meeting starts with some formal talk of whatever kind they prefer, then the two parties go to a private room, sit, and talk about their preferences, of any kind; the ones that they think has an effect on their future lives. Try not to be trapped in trivial questions, though. It could take your time and attention away from what really matters. However, what is really important about this session is that there should not be any affections involved, or started – to avoid the heartbreak and the blindness of love. There should be no answer to the marriage request in the session. Both parties should take some time to think through the ups and downs of one another. Then they make their decision, and inform the other, if they want a marriage. I suppose I must note here that while you are very careful not to marry the wrong person, you should not be too picky about the ideal person. Issues like wealth, lineage and properties do not really matter. The likes of family, health and looks are of average importance. But the most crucial criteria of your future spouse are faith, and morality. We all need to have a soul mate who has a deep belief in God, and who always shows good behavior. Then we can be relieved that he or she would not let us down in any aspect of our lives. There is only a problem left here, and that is the place of love. Am I really suggesting a marriage without love? To be continued.