The Leap Presenting an Enlightened Path toward Marriage to Create Greater Social Stability and Personal Happiness The Leap addresses the high rate of divorce in the Islamic world and proposes a remedy by changing some customs and traditions associated with courtship and marriage. Based on exhaustive research of Islamic law, the author reveals how centuries of customs and traditions have led society to deviate from Islam's true intention regarding the goals of marriage and the creation and nurturing of a family and how the religion provides flexibility for dealing with new circumstances. This book examines * the extent of the problem of divorce in Islamic society, * how lack of acquaintance before marriage damages the chance for marriage to succeed, * various types of permanent and temporary Islamic marriage contracts, * how morality and timing aid in finding the right partner for life, * the importance of compatibility in ensuring a happy and healthy marriage, * the elements of the Islamic marriage: the proposal, dowry, witnessing, guardianship, competency, and age of maturity, and * how couples may become thoroughly acquainted before marriage without violating Islamic law.Suggestions for conditions to be considered before entering into permanent marriage contract are listed in one of the book's appendices. Nothing in The Leap contradicts the Qur'an. Documentary evidence in English and Arabic is presented to prove the religious lawfulness of all ideas advocated here. Application of the ideas advocated in The Leap will greatly reduce divorce and its role in destroying the family, victimizing its children, and destabilizing society. The Leap aims to stimulate discussion on how to create and implement a system of courtship and marriage for the greater good of Muslims and all humanity