Research shows that marriage education increases marital satisfaction and spousal commitment, and reduces conflict and odds of divorce. The FYI Marriage Prep Toolkit was developed to help people prepare for the commitment of a lifetime. This toolkit can be a guide in identifying personal expectations around marriage, navigating courtship, determining compatibility, and making the decision to marry. The FYI Marriage Prep Toolkit is based on Islamic principles but can be useful for anyone seeking resources to prepare for a strong and healthy marriage.

A research-based, clinician-developed, self-paced online course designed to help Muslim couples prepare for a strong marriage. Through this course, you and your partner will:

Whether you are searching for a spouse or have been married for a number of years, no relationship is perfect. If you don’t have the skills to help you work through everyday problems, then creating, maintaining, and sustaining a successful relationship will be difficult. Learn the keys to healthy relationships from Family and Youth Institute professionals. The Family and Youth Institute workshops are a powerful resource, which will have lasting benefits for your relationship. 

As one participant said, “3 years after the marriage workshop, I went back and reviewed my notes.” Help your community “review their notes” and strengthen their relationships through one of The Family and Youth Institute workshops.

This introduction to marriage education webinar shared with the audience practical tips and resources to help prepare for the commitment of a lifetime.

Why prepare for marriage? How well do you know yourself and what you need in a partner? What does it mean to be compatible, really? These questions and more are addressed in this short intro session! The webinar is designed for individuals who are single, searching, and/or engaged.

Amal Killawi is a clinical social worker, researcher, and community educator who specializes in mental health and marriage education.

This list of 183 questions was compiled by The Family & Youth Institute to facilitate self-reflection and important conversations during courtship. For more on preparing for marriage, check out The FYI’s Marriage Prep Toolkit.

It is important for individuals and parents to communicate with each other about their expectations for courtship and who is considered an ideal partner. This can only occur through honest conversations and active listening. By understanding each other’s expectations and sharing preferences with each other early on, parents and their adult-children can reduce misunderstandings and pave the way for a smooth marriage process. This requires multiple conversations, often over the course of weeks, months, or even years.

Did you know that 1 in 3 American Muslims get divorced? Did you know that that is not far below the national average? Did you know that there are ways to help prevent this outcome? By looking at the top 5 reasons for discord or conflict in marriages we can help anticipate areas where more discussion is needed. Prevention matters!

With reports of unhappy marriages and rising divorce rates among American Muslim couples, how can you decrease the likelihood of becoming another statistic?

The Family and Youth Institute introduces “7 Things to Consider Before Saying “I Do.” Check out these research-backed bits of advice to help guide you on the way towards a more realistic and harmonious relationship.

American Muslim couples are reporting that their in-law relationships are a major source of stress and marriage conflict. What can couples do to create more positive relationships with their in-laws and in turn, better their own marriage relationship?

Check out these 7 tips to a more harmonious marriage through active steps towards harmonious relationships with your in-laws.

The article talks about the importance of building your own support system first, letting your spouse create their recovery plan, being open, honest and communicative and lastly working on rebuilding the relationship together.

Did you know that more than 50% of Muslims report at least one significant marital issue, and more than 55% of Muslims are looking for community support? This infographic lists some of the major reasons for marital conflict among Muslim Americans, along with strategies to help improve your marriage. For more resources on this topic take a look at our Divorce Support Toolkit.

This resource is meant as a guide and to help you begin transforming marital conflict into marital success. 

A conversation with Rafee Al-Mansur, a Marriage and Family Therapist in Residence, Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, and Madiha Tahseen of The Family and Youth Institute about divorce in our American Muslim communities.

In this webinar you’ll learn about the counseling trends and mental health needs from Rafee Al-Mansur, Dalia Mogahed will discuss the stigma and perception, and what is needed to shift the conversation to support rather than speculation. Dr. Tahseen will outline available resources in the toolkit and discuss findings from Divorce Needs Assessment The FYI did in preparation for the publication of the Divorce Support Toolkit.

Anaya is rushing to meet an urgent work deadline when Malik rushes in to tell her some news about his project at work. Anaya, frustrated with being interrupted, tells Malik to leave her alone since she barely gets time to work without their toddler driving her crazy. Malik responds angrily, “you never have time for me” and storms out of the room. Later that evening, Anaya and Malik have a quiet dinner with few words said between them. Sound familiar?

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