Marriage in Islam

Most Muslims consider marriage to be a crucial foundation for life. A man and woman enter into a contract to live together as husband and wife. A Nikkah is the name of the marriage contract. Marriage is strongly encouraged in Islam, unlike other religions. There is no place for chastity, unlike for instance, the nuns and priests of the Roman Catholic Church. In Islam there is no chastity, according to the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Marriage is a religious obligation, making it both a social necessity and a moral safety net. High "taqwa" or "Iman" does not equate in Islam to celibacy. Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) also remarked that marriage was "my tradition" and that anyone who avoided it was not one of us. In order to prevent one from becoming a slave to their desires, marriage serves as a channel for sexual needs and regulates it.

It is a communal requirement because families were created by marriage, and families are the fundamental building block of our society. A man and a woman can only engage in intimate behavior that is legal or halal through marriage. Islam adopts a middle ground approach to sexual relations; it neither forbids it outright like some religions neither permit it. Islam exhorts us to restrain and manage our desires, no matter what they may be, so that we can maintain our dignity and avoid becoming like animals.

The Goal of Marriage 

In the Qur'an, the word "zawaj" refers to a pair or mate. It is typically used in reference to the marriage. The main goal of marriage is to allow the sexes to be companions to one another, to fall in love, to bear children, and to live in harmony with Allah's commandments. Marriage provides an outlet for sexual and emotional gratification as well as a method of stress relief. Because it is performing Ibadah, which is the act of obeying Allah and his messenger, i.e. The only way for the sexes to coexist is through marriage. Everyone could select  to live a sinful life, but by selecting marriage, one is showing Allah's obedience.

A solemn covenant known as "mithaq" is marriage (agreement). Not to be taken lightly, it is a serious matter. It needs to be done so fully aware of what is involved and with complete commitment. It's not like choosing a new dress of brands, where you can return it if you doesn’t like it. You should choose your companion and stick with them. In order for a marriage to last, one must be responsible enough to comprehend the obligations involved. 

Certain requirements must be met for a marriage to be recognised as valid.

1) Both parties' approval.
2) "Mahr," a present from the bridegroom to her.
2) Two male or female witnesses.
4) One should announced the marriage; it should never be kept a secret as this breeds mistrust and problems in the neighborhood.

Is Marriage obligatory?

Marriage is suggested, but for many people it becomes (obligatory), according to Malik ibn Anas, Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Imams Abu Hanifah. It is nafl or mubah in Imam Shaafi'i's opinion. The general consensus is that marriage becomes "wajib" if a male or female, feels fears that if he or she doesn’t  get married, they will fornicate. It becomes "wajib" for someone to get married if they have strong sexual urges. In particular, if one has the resources to do so, marriage shouldn't be postponed or delayed. However, a man should not wed if he lacks the financial resources to support his wife and future family, lacks sex drive, despises children, or believes marriage will materially interfere with his religious obligations.

The fundamental idea is that the Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) motivated his followers to get married. He said;

"A man has completed half of the religion when he marries, therefore, let him fear Allah for the remaining portion.," 

Anas narrates this hadith. Islam strongly supports marriage as it protects one from and supports the whole family, which is of utmost importance to Islam.

Selection of a partner.

The partner with the greatest amount of "taqwa" should be chosen (piety). Before finalizing their engagement, the prophet advised the suitors to meet. Being forced to be intimate when you don't know each other makes it unreasonable to expect two people to connect. A critical eye, not a lustful one, is allowed to be used when the couple is around each other. This decision is in accordance with the ayah, which states that believers should look downward. The couple is not, however, allowed to leave the house together or be alone in a closed room. According to the hadith, when a woman and man are by themselves, there is a presence of a third person, known as Satan.

Islam does not practice courtship as it is done in the west. Before they make a serious commitment to one another, there is no dating, living together as a de facto relationship, or getting to know one another. Before getting married, there can be no physical relationship of any kind. Young people frequently have romantic ideas, but they typically turn out to be unrealistic and harmful to the parties involved. This point is easily understood when we consider the alarming divorce rate in the west. For instance, even though a couple has been intimate, known each other for years, and even lives together, this does not necessarily mean their future marriage will be successful. Simply, love and romance do not guarantee an enduring connection between the two people. When you have to deal with the real world, romance and love fade away very quickly. Young people frequently contribute to the failure of their relationships by having irrational expectations.

Consent of Parties.

There are two types of arranged marriages: halal and haram. As long as both parties are on board, arranging marriages through suggestions and recommendations is acceptable. The second type of marriage occurs when parents select the prospective partner and the involved couple is either pressurize into it or given no other option. Consent of the couple is one requirement for a legal marriage. By definition, marriage is a pair of people coming together voluntarily.

The Duties of Husband and Wife Rights.

• Maintenance.

The wife's upkeep is the husband's responsibility. The Qur'an and the sunnah have the authority to establish this right. It makes no difference if the wife is Muslim or not, wealthy or not, healthy or not. He must generously assume the financial burden of the family as part of his role as "qawam," or "leader," in order for his wife to feel secure and fulfil her duties with fidelity. The wife's right to maintenance comprise her right to clothing, housing, food, and other personal care, such as prescription drugs, hospital bills, etc. According to his means, he must house her where he lives himself. To ensure her independence, comfort, and privacy, the wife's lodge must be suitable.

• The "Mahr "

A marriage gift that belongs to the wife is her right. Depending on the parties' agreement, this could happen right away or later. Mahr is required for a marriage to be legal. It is not required to be cash or gold. Such non-material things as instructing her to read the Qur'an are possible. Mahr is a present that the bridegroom gives to the new bride. There are no requirements for what or how much the Mahr must be in the Qur'an. Depending on who is involved.

• Non-material rights.

In particular if he has a second wife, he is required to treat his wife fairly by Allah’s law, esteem her feelings, and be kind and considerate. Kindness to women is emphasized in the prophet's most recent sermon.

• The Husband's Rights and the Wife's Obligations.

Helping the marriage succeed and be happy is one of the wife's main responsibilities. She needs to be mindful of her husband's comfort and health. The verse from the Qur'an that best exemplifies this idea is: "Our Allah, allow us wives and children whom will the apple of our eyes and lead us to be examples for the virtuous."

The wife should be dependable, honest, and loyal. She must prevent anyone else from having access to the sexual intimacy that is solely the husband's. She is not allowed to host or receive strange men in the house without his knowledge and approval. She ought not to be alone with an unfamiliar man. If he doesn't approve, she shouldn't take gifts from any other men. This is done in order to prevent suspicion, jealousy and rumors. Without his consent, she cannot get rid of his possessions.

If a wife wants to be responsive to her husband's advances, she should make herself sexually appealing to him. In order to avoid marital issues or, worse yet, to tempt her husband to commit adultery, a wife must not reject her husband sexually. It goes without saying that the husband should give consideration to the wife's health in general.

• Obedience

To maintain the best functioning family unit possible is the goal of obedience in the relationship. The man is entitled to be obeyed because he is the leader, not because he is more intelligent or capable. Imagine a king, teacher, or parent who loses the power that has been entrusted to them because they are not obeyed; their leadership would be rendered ineffective.

Obedience is not synonymous with blind obedience. Conditions apply to it:

(A) It is only necessary if the wife is asked to do something that falls under one of the acceptable group of behavior.

(b) It must be upheld only in relation to issues that concern the rights husband.