To summarize, there are five basic requirements one must meet before one marries. Desiring to establish love, unity and harmony amidst Our servants, We have conditioned it, once the couple's wish is known, upon the permission of their parents, lest enmity and rancour should arise amongst them. The requirements for the marriage ceremony are simple and elegant. As to one's duties, privileges, and rights in marriage, we refer the reader to the article by . . . All the writings that are available on the subject of marriage seem to have one omission about which Western believers may be concerned.
Little mention is made of the nature of the emotional bond between the marriage partners.
That is to say, the romantic notion discussed above is not mentioned as a requirement of marriage. This seemingly strange 'oversight' perhaps deserves some explanation 'Abdu'l-Baha, in His Paris Talks, describes the nature of true love. Quoting Him here extensively is appropriate. The love which exists between the hearts of believers is prompted by the ideal of the unity of spirits. This love is attained through the knowledge of God, so that men see the Divine Love reflected in the heart.