what islam says about marriage

what islam says about marriage

What Islam Says About Marriage: A Comprehensive Insight

Marriage in Islam is not merely a social contract or a legal bond but an act of worship and a sacred covenant.

It’s a relationship rooted in love, mutual respect, compassion, and shared responsibilities.

The institution of marriage plays a pivotal role in Islamic society, serving as a means to establish families, ensure the continuity of the human race, and provide emotional, spiritual, and financial support for both partners.

Islam places great emphasis on marriage because it promotes the values of unity, morality, and the establishment of a harmonious family life.

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of marriage in Islam from different perspectives: its purpose, rules, responsibilities of spouses, and the role it plays in the broader framework of Islamic ethics.

what islam says about marriage

The Purpose of Marriage in Islam

Marriage, from an Islamic standpoint, fulfills several essential functions for both individuals and society. These purposes go beyond mere companionship and procreation:

  1. Spiritual Growth: Marriage is considered an act of worship (ibadah).
    • It brings the spouses closer to Allah (God) by providing a lawful and ethical way to satisfy emotional and physical needs.
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned,
    • “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.” (Al-Tirmidhi). Through marriage, Muslims are encouraged to support each other in worship, faith, and righteousness.
  2. Companionship and Love: Islam acknowledges the deep emotional and physical bond between a husband and wife. Allah describes marriage as a relationship filled with tranquility, love, and mercy in the Qur’an:
    • “And among 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. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Qur’an, 30:21).
    • A key aim of marriage is to foster companionship, where both spouses share joys and sorrows and help each other grow.
  3. Continuation of Human Life: One of the primary goals of marriage is to ensure the procreation of future generations.
    • Islam views the birth and upbringing of children within the sanctity of marriage as essential to maintaining the ethical and moral fabric of society.
    • Children are considered a blessing, and Islam encourages parents to nurture them in an environment filled with love, moral integrity, and religious teachings.
  4. Protection of Morality: Marriage serves as a safeguard against immorality and fornication (zina).
    • By promoting lawful unions, Islam prevents unlawful relationships that could disrupt social harmony and lead to societal problems.
    • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “O young men, those among you who can support a wife should marry, for it restrains eyes (from casting evil glances) and preserves one from immorality…” (Sahih Muslim). Marriage provides a legitimate outlet for fulfilling physical desires within a moral framework.
  5. Emotional and Financial Security: Both men and women are protected within marriage by having defined roles and responsibilities.
    • Husbands are required to provide for the financial needs of their wives, while wives offer emotional and physical support. This complementary structure ensures stability and security for both partners.

The Process of Marriage in Islam

Islam has set clear guidelines regarding the process of marriage, ensuring that the union is rooted in mutual consent and respect.

The marriage contract (nikah) is at the heart of this process and requires certain conditions and elements to be valid.

  1. The Marriage Contract (Nikah): The marriage in Islam is formalized through a contract between the bride and groom. This contract must include:
  • Consent of both parties: Both the bride and groom must willingly agree to the marriage without any form of coercion.
    • Forced marriages are prohibited in Islam.
  • Mahr (Dowry): The groom is required to give a dowry (mahr) to the bride.
    • The dowry is a gift or money given to the bride as a sign of his commitment and obligation to her. It symbolizes the husband’s responsibility towards his wife.
  • Witnesses: At least two adult, male witnesses are required to be present during the marriage contract.
    • The witnesses ensure the transparency and legality of the union.
  • Wali (Guardian): For the bride, a wali, usually her father or a close male relative, must be present.
    • The wali‘s role is to ensure that the marriage is in the bride’s best interest.
  1. Mutual Agreement and Compatibility: Islam emphasizes the importance of compatibility (kafa’a) in marriage. Compatibility is not just about socio-economic status, but also about spiritual, moral, and emotional harmony.
    • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised Muslims to prioritize piety when choosing a spouse: “A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So, marry the one who is religious and you will be successful.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
  2. Simplicity in Weddings: Islam encourages simplicity in wedding ceremonies and discourages extravagant displays of wealth. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
    • “The most blessed marriage is the one with the least expenses.” (Musnad Ahmad). Lavish weddings, which may lead to financial burdens, are discouraged.
    • Instead, Islam encourages focusing on the spiritual and emotional significance of marriage.
what islam says about marriage

Rights and Responsibilities of Spouses in Islam

The roles and responsibilities within marriage are divided between spouses in a way that promotes balance, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Both the husband and the wife have rights and responsibilities, with an overarching emphasis on compassion and fairness.

The Husband’s Responsibilities:

  1. Financial Responsibility: The husband is obligated to provide financial support (nafaqa) for his wife and children, including food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities.
    • Even if the wife has her own income, the financial duty lies on the husband. Allah states in the Qur’an: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means…” (Qur’an, 4:34).
  2. Kind Treatment: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of treating wives with kindness and respect.
    • He said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). Islam requires husbands to be gentle, loving, and considerate toward their wives.
  3. Fulfillment of Emotional Needs: Just as the husband’s financial duties are emphasized, Islam also recognizes the emotional needs of a wife.
    • The Qur’an highlights that spouses are garments for one another (Qur’an, 2:187), signifying that they protect, cover, and comfort each other.
    • A husband should ensure that he meets his wife’s emotional needs and provides her with companionship and love.
  4. Fairness in Polygamy: While Islam allows polygamy (a man having up to four wives), it comes with stringent conditions.
    • The husband must treat all his wives equally in terms of financial support, time, and emotional care. If he fears he cannot maintain justice, Islam advises monogamy (Qur’an, 4:3).

The Wife’s Responsibilities:

  1. Support and Obedience: A wife in Islam is expected to respect and support her husband.
    • While the Qur’an establishes the husband as the head of the household, this leadership is meant to be exercised in a consultative and just manner.
    • A wife is encouraged to cooperate with her husband, especially in matters related to the family’s well-being.
  2. Guarding the Home and Family: A wife has the responsibility to take care of the household, protect the family’s honor, and raise the children with love and care.
    • The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The woman is a guardian of her husband’s house and is responsible for it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). She plays an essential role in nurturing a peaceful and harmonious home environment.
  3. Mutual Care and Emotional Support: Just as the husband is expected to fulfill his wife’s emotional needs, the wife is also required to be a source of comfort and support for her husband.
    • Marriage is described in the Qur’an as a relationship of mercy and compassion (Qur’an, 30:21), meaning both spouses are to offer each other emotional care.
what islam says about marriage

Divorce in Islam

While Islam strongly encourages reconciliation and problem-solving within marriage, it acknowledges that not all marriages will succeed.

Divorce is permitted in Islam as a last resort, but it is not taken lightly.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Of all the lawful things, divorce is the most hated by Allah.” (Sunan Abu Dawood).

Thus, Islam urges couples to exhaust all efforts to resolve conflicts before considering divorce.

The Process of Divorce:

  1. Talaq (Divorce by Husband): A husband has the right to initiate divorce by pronouncing talaq (I divorce you).
    • However, after each pronouncement, there is a waiting period (iddah) of three menstrual cycles during which reconciliation is possible.
    • If reconciliation is not achieved after three talaqs, the divorce becomes final, and the couple cannot remarry unless the wife marries another man and divorces him.
  2. Khula (Divorce by Wife): A wife can initiate divorce through khula, a process where she returns the dowry or a portion of it in exchange for her release from the marriage.
    • The wife has the right to seek a divorce if her husband is abusive, neglectful, or fails in his duties.
  3. Mediation and Counseling: Islam encourages mediation through family members or community leaders to resolve marital disputes before opting for divorce. The Qur’an states:
    • “And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them.” (Qur’an, 4:35).

The Importance of Love, Compassion, and Mutual Respect

The foundation of an Islamic marriage is built on love, mercy, and mutual respect. The Qur’an refers to marriage as a sign of Allah’s creation, emphasizing the importance of emotional and spiritual connection. The verse often recited at Muslim weddings reads:

“And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts.” (Qur’an, 30:21).

This verse highlights the divine nature of the marital bond and encourages spouses to treat each other with kindness and empathy.

Both partners are seen as garments for one another, signifying a close, intimate, and mutually protective relationship (Qur’an, 2:187).

Conclusion

In Islam, marriage is a sacred institution that serves both a spiritual and social purpose.

It offers individuals emotional, physical, and financial stability, while also safeguarding moral values and ensuring the continuity of the human race.

Islam provides clear guidelines on how to conduct marriages, emphasizing mutual consent, respect, and compassion between spouses.

Both men and women have rights and responsibilities that complement each other, ensuring that the union remains balanced and fair.

While Islam permits divorce, it strongly encourages reconciliation and patience in resolving marital disputes.

Ultimately, marriage in Islam is viewed as a means of fulfilling one’s duties towards Allah and creating a peaceful and harmonious society.

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Zaky Shoobley

Writing is fun and I enjoy it