Serving each other for Allah’s pleasure

By Hatmah Nalugwa Ssekaaya

Assalam alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

There are moments in marriage that feel like poetry—sweet words, quiet glances, hands held in peace. And then there are moments that feel like work—meals to cook, socks to pick up, errands to run.

But what if we told ourselves the truth behind both? That every moment—romantic or routine—can be transformed into worship.

That marriage, at its purest, is not just about companionship, but about service. Not only to each other, but to the One who brought your hearts together – Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

Marriage: A journey of worship, not just emotion

Too often, we are told that love is about feelings. Butterflies. Fireworks. Heartbeats. But real love—the kind that lasts through storms, stress, and silence—is about intention. About returning, again and again, not only to each other, but to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best among you to my wives.” (Tirmidhi)

Notice: not the most romantic, not the most poetic—but the best. In character. In service. In sincerity.

When you serve your spouse—whether it’s making their tea just how they like it, giving them space to rest, or simply being kind in your tone, you are earning reward. You are loving for the sake of Allah. And that… is worship.

Acts of service: A Sunnah in disguise

Think of the Prophet (PBUH)—our role model in every aspect of life. A man of deep devotion, yet also deeply present in his home. He sewed his own clothes. He mended his sandals. He served his family.

Aisha (RA) was once asked, “What did the Prophet do in his house?” She replied:

“He was in the service of his family, and when it was time for prayer, he would go out to pray.” (Bukhari)

He did not see housework or care as beneath him. He saw it as part of his character, his mercy, his mission.

When you lift burdens from your spouse, you are walking in the footsteps of Rasulullah. You are not “helping out”—you are fulfilling a sunnah.

Loving with intention: From daily tasks to divine deeds

Sisters, brothers, please do not underestimate the value of your everyday actions. When you cook a meal with love… when you bite your tongue in an argument to keep peace… when you smile even though you’re tired… when you prepare your spouse’s clothes, or massage their feet after a long day… None of it is lost. Every moment, if done with sincerity, is recorded as worship.

Even intimacy between spouses is an act of worship. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“In the sexual act of each of you there is a sadaqah.”

The companions were surprised and asked, “O Messenger of Allah, even when one of us satisfies his desire?” He replied:

“Do you not see that if he were to do it unlawfully, it would be a sin? Likewise, when he does it lawfully, it is a reward.” (Muslim)

As such, love, when done right, becomes a path to Jannah.

Too often, we think of serving our spouse as one-sided. But the beauty of Islamic marriage is in reciprocity. A flow of love, mercy, and mutual care.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala describes marriage in one of the most beloved verses:

“…They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

A garment is protection. Comfort. Closeness. Dignity. Are you covering each other with these qualities? Are you a source of warmth—not just in public, but in private too?

True service in marriage is not transactional. It is devotional. It is saying: “I love you for Allah. And I serve you to please Him.”

Love looks like this…

• Waking up early to make your spouse’s suhoor.
• Choosing gentleness over a sharp reply.
• Fixing their plate before your own.
• Praying for them silently while they sleep.
• Taking over a task so they can rest.

No one else may see it. But Allah does.

And in those moments, you are not “just a wife” or “just a husband.”
You are a worshipper, walking in love, toward His pleasure.

Your love challenge for this week:

Find one daily task you do for your spouse and consciously renew your niyyah (intention). Say to yourself: “I do this for Allah’s sake.” And watch how that task becomes lighter, sweeter, and full of reward.

Until next week, serve with love, love with sincerity, and worship through both.