Importance of Marriage in Islam

One of Islam’s recognized and fundamental commandments is marriage, the sacred union that takes place only between a man and a woman. Concerning this revered bond, many verses of the noble Qur’an and countless examples encourage marriage for any single man or woman. It is not only limited to young brothers and sisters who have never been married but even those who have been through failed marriages have also been encouraged to remarry and complete their faith.

Allah SWT says in the Holy Qur’an,

« Marry the single people from among you and the righteous slaves and slave girls; if you are poor, Allah will make you rich through His favor, and Allah is bountiful, All-knowing. » [An-Nur:32]

Importance of Marriage in Islam

Allah SWT and His representatives have given us the best rules for a great marital life. They have explained every essential detail; when we do not observe these rights, do not follow the rules, or cross our limits, life turns boring and marital life falls prey to differences leading to failure.

On one occasion, the Prophet (SAWW) said,

« The best people of my nation (Ummah) are those who get married and have chosen their wives, and the worst people of my nation are those who have kept away from marriage and are passing their lives as bachelors. »

Everything in Islam has to do with stability and having a balanced life between our mind and body and between our hearts and senses. It is all about setting the balance with equity. Marriage is based on love, physical dimension, and intellectual complementarity between husband and wife.

Marriage is not only a contract but requires affection, love, and mercy between a husband and wife. Several studies suggest that marriage makes people healthier – physically and mentally. Islam has also emphasized the benefits of marriage for Muslims in many ways. It maintains marriage as a source to seek spiritual perfection.

The Prophet (SAWW) said, « One who marries has already guarded half of his religion; therefore, he should fear Allah for the other half. » How true! A person who fulfills his sexual desires lawfully would not be misguided by spiritual pursuits.

Marriage keeps you away from illegitimate desires and helps you focus on your family. It is the only way to attain happiness and satisfaction in the long run. Human beings need companionship, and marriage gives a deep soulful companionship within the correct boundaries. It forces you to look at every action from another pair of eyes and makes you humble and a better person.

Marriage strengthens society and lays the foundation for a balanced, peaceful, healthier community. It is a great way to move forward in your life and make your family, which in turn, becomes a good society. Marriage gives us sentimental and physical stability and protects us from outside evils of society. With love, compassion, and mutual understanding, marriage is not a contract but a sterile dressing for men and women.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, « Give spouses to your single ones because Allah makes their morality better (improves it) (under the shadow of marriage) and expands their sustenance and increases their generosity (human values). »

Hadith about Marriage

• The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: « Everyone of you is a guardian and responsible for those in his charge; the man, in his home, is a guardian and responsible for his household; the woman, concerning her husband’s property, is a guardian and responsible for what she is entrusted with. »
• The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, « The whole world is pleasure, and the best pleasure of the world is the righteous woman. » [Muslim].
• He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, « One’s spouse is entitled to certain rights. »

According to the International Journal of Research, Islamic marriage is based on the need to achieve and maintain societal tranquility. Thus, the family, which comes into being due to this marriage, is society’s basic foundation. Although marriage is strongly urged and celibacy is discouraged, those who are not ready to undertake this solemn covenant and its responsibilities should postpone it. Marriage is viewed « as a means of emotional and sexual gratification, as a mechanism of tension reduction, legitimate procreation, and social placement; as an approach to an interfamily alliance and group solidarity » Islamic marriage is also a social and religious institution.

The Prophet reportedly said, « He who marries completes half of his religion; it now rests with him to complete the other half by leading a virtuous life in constant fear of god. » « There is no mockery in Islam, » « I keep fast and break it. I pray, and I sleep, and I am married, so whoever inclines to any other way than my Sunnah, he is not of me ». « This is because marriage elevates the moral and spiritual standard of man. Nikah is my precept. Those unmarried are unworthy of the deed. »

The Quran states,

« Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They are the ones to attain felicity. »