Marriage is an integral part of a Muslim’s life, indeed it is too important in our religion Islam that it is considered to be one half of one’s Faith. Islam is not like the other religions that support and promote monasticism or celibacy, but it is a just religion and it takes the middle way in sexual relations, it neither allows it freely, nor does it condemn it like the other certain religions.
Marriage is a great virtue and a means of salvation in our religion (Islam). It is our religious duty and a moral safeguard. Marriage is a contract made by male and female to live together as wife and husband and a tie that strengthen their relationship.
It is because of this holy tie that families are established in our societies and communities. Moreover, it is the lawful and legitimate way to indulge in intimacy between a man and woman.
Meaning:
Marriage (An-Nikah or Az-Zawaj) is a legal contract enabling each spouse to have enjoyment with the other.
Obligation and legality in Quran:
Our Lord and Creator, Allah Himself commands us to marry. He says:
“And marry those among you who are single and (also marry) the Saliheen (pious) of your (male) slaves and maidservants.”
(An-Nur 24:32)
The scholar of Islam stated that because of this verse marriage is an obligatory act and a religious duty. Marriage is a legal act. This is based on the statement of Allah:
“Then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (slaves) what your right hands possess.”
(An-Nisa 4:3)
The Marriage in Sunnah:
There are numerous Ahadith that instruct us to marry. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH) himself married and encouraged others to marry too. It is obligatory for whoever is able to find the provisions or has the means to do so and fears committing what is forbidden. It has been reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“O young men! Whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity.”
(Al-Bukhari 5065)
“Marry the loving and the fertile. For, verily I will compete by your numbers against the other nations on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Ibn Hibban 198)
Marriage in Islam is from the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) himself said:
“By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I observe fast and forsake it, I do offer prayer and also do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my Sunnah (legal ways) in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers).”
(Al-Bukhari 5063)
Some Logics Behind:
Marriage in Islam has a range of logics behind. Some of them are given below.
- Fulfilling the religious obligation and duty.
- Continuing the existence of the human race through the procreation process, which is a direct result of marriage.
- Fulfilling the need of each spouse by the other, in order to maintain their chastity by satisfying natural sexual desires.
- Cooperation of each partner in raising the progeny and preservation of its life.
- Organizing the relationship between a husband and wife upon the foundation of exchanging rights with one another and mutual assistance that comes about in the circle of love, affection, respect and honor of each other.
- It is an essential element in the proper and actual upbringing of children.
- It safeguards from the sins of fornication, homosexuality and masturbation.
Finally, we ask Allah to guide us to the Right Path, grant us ample resources to marry and to guard our chastity, make us capable to act upon His commands and to follow the Sunnah of His beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ameen
If you are looking for a thorough study, we recommend you get Book of Nikah, Now You are a Mother, Forty Hadith About Women , Rights of Women in Islam and Important Lesson for Muslim Women. All of these are available as e-book and can be downloaded from a range of platforms. For details, visit their respective pages.
