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Marriage, esteemed as a sacred bond uniting hearts and minds, carries profound significance within communities across the globe. Beyond mere companionship, it stands as a pillar of stability, harmony, and social cohesion. Recognizing the pivotal role individuals play in fostering and supporting marital relations, the Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG) in collaboration with the Marriage Board of KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat held a transformative workshop for the members of the Marriage Board with the shared objective of empowering and nurturing marital relationships and enhancing their skills and proficiency in assisting couples within the community.
Led by Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan, the Chairman of the Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG), and Sr. Shama Dewji, the workshop was held at AFED Towers Training Centre on the 3rd and 4th of April, 2024 where participants were aimed to be equipped with tools for self-awareness and understanding through the lens of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Self-awareness, hailed as the cornerstone of personal development, emerged as a guiding beacon, enabling individuals to navigate the complexities of their own emotions and communication styles. Within the context of marriage, cultivating self-awareness becomes paramount, offering spouses the clarity to navigate their emotions, desires, and aspirations. As the participants embarked on this journey of self-discovery, they gained invaluable insights into their strengths and areas for growth, empowering them to better serve the community.
Simultaneously, exploring MBTI provided the participants with a better understanding of personality types and their implications for marital relationships. Within the sanctity of marriage, understanding one’s own MBTI profile and that of one’s spouse unveils a treasure trove of understanding and empathy, echoing the Quranic verse: ‘And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy’ (Holy Qur’an 30:21). From the spirited extroverts who thrive on social interaction to the contemplative introverts who find solace in introspection, each personality type brings its own unique gifts and challenges to the union.
The participants delved into the intricacies of MBTI profiles, where they appreciated the richness of the differences between individuals, and through this lens of understanding where conflicts are transformed into opportunities for growth, and misunderstandings dissolve into moments of profound connection.
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Armed with this knowledge, they were better equipped to empathize with couples seeking guidance, offering tailored support and advice based on individual needs and preferences.
The workshop served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, empowering the Marriage Board members to fulfill their roles with greater insight, empathy, and effectiveness. As they embrace the depths of their being and expand their understanding of human nature, they become invaluable pillars of support within the community, nurturing stronger, healthier, and more resilient marriages.
The AFED Capacity Building Board (CBG) extends sincere gratitude to the Office Bearers of Africa Federation and the Marriage Board of KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat for their unwavering support for the program. Their commitment to the enhancement of marital relationships underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in nurturing stronger communities.
Our sincere appreciation is also extended to the Africa Federation Secretariat for their encouragement, cooperation, and financial support, which have been instrumental in facilitating such enriching training seminars.
Strong marriages in a society, weave threads of unity and solidarity, creating a fabric of resilience and enduring love. As the echoes of the workshop reverberate, may the insights gained serve as guiding beacons, illuminating pathways toward deeper understanding, empathy, and harmony within marital relationships and the broader community.
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CBG Secretariat
9th May 2024