Our Three-tired Approach
For British Muslims, the problems are more complex. With the added factors of religious law, arranged marriages and other cultural and religious considerations, it is increasingly hard for Muslims to keep their families intact.
Issues faced by Muslims include teenage children being caught between the Muslim culture and the expectations of society, and the increased education of both Muslim women and men has led to them to expect a more just marriage based on liberating Islamic principles rather than culture. Intercultural marriages, too, present their own challenges.
Such problems require specialist help from trained consultants well versed with the problems faced by Muslim communities. Fortunately, UNITY provides such a service. At present, we focus on pre-marital, marital and post-marital guidance and support. UNITY Family Services will, in time, focus on solutions to a number of family problems.
In light of our research, our services currently offer information, support and guidance in the following areas:
Issues faced by Muslims include teenage children being caught between the Muslim culture and the expectations of society, and the increased education of both Muslim women and men has led to them to expect a more just marriage based on liberating Islamic principles rather than culture. Intercultural marriages, too, present their own challenges.
Such problems require specialist help from trained consultants well versed with the problems faced by Muslim communities. Fortunately, UNITY provides such a service. At present, we focus on pre-marital, marital and post-marital guidance and support. UNITY Family Services will, in time, focus on solutions to a number of family problems.
In light of our research, our services currently offer information, support and guidance in the following areas:
Pre-marriage
Before you get married, it is important to understand marital relationships, the responsibilities of marriage and your expectations of your partner. We can help you, using one of two methods. The first is educational, such as our courses for groups of single men and women. To take part, you don’t need to be engaged to each other; the course is simply a tool for marriage education. The second involves premarital guidance sessions with you, your partner and our consultant. This is more private, and more specific to your personal concerns.
This uniqueness is important in intercultural marriages. The consultant will help you recognise and plan for your cultural differences and similarities. In second marriages, we will help you address concerns from the first marriage and build the new marriage. These issues can be made more difficult if children are involved. Meanwhile, if yours is an interfaith marriage, we can help you plan for raising children, your religious expectations and any other concerns you have. Some people don't realise the importance of premarital guidance until problems arise after the wedding ceremony. A few hours of premarital guidance can save years of anguish later. |
During-marriage
If you are already married, perhaps with children, our consultants will listen carefully to both parties, discuss all your concerns, and make you feel comfortable enough to express yourself. Your confidentiality is assured at all times. The consultant may recommend professional referrals in cases of mental illness, addictions or for anger management.
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Post-marriage
In cases of divorce, our consultant can help you understand both the religious law and the law of the land. You may benefit from guidance, mediation or arbitration. Post-divorce sessions may also include discussions about children and relationships between you and your former partner.
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"My marriage could have ended that day or the least would have got worse if we had not attended the session."