Muslim Marriage

A marriage in Islam is more than a paper contract. It is a holy communion in which both the husband and the wife take on major responsibilities that they ignore at their peril. The concept of marriage enjoys a high place in Islam, and all Muslims should be aware of its importance. Some key aspects of marriage include:

• Encouragement – In order to avoid the temptation of pre-marital sex, Muslims are encouraged to marry once they reach the proper age. In Surah Al Nur (chapter 24), verse 32 of the Quran, Allah says: “Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among yourselves, male or female. If they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace, for Allah encompasses all, and He knows all things.”

• Dowry – the groom must pay a dowry, or mahr, to his potential bride for the marriage to be valid. Islam forbids the practice widespread in the sub-continent, in which the bride’s family pays a dowry to the husband.

• Permission – a woman’s permission must be sought before a marriage can be validated. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A previously married woman should not be married without being consulted, and a virgin should not be married without asking her permission……contd.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 6455).

• Responsibility – Islam recognizes differences between men and women. In a marriage, they are equal in Allah’s sight but have different roles to play. It is the man’s responsibility to provide financial care for his entire family, while the women’s main role is to raise their children in an Islamic manner. The husband is rewarded for his kind treatment of his wife and children.

 

 

Note: This page provides only basic information on this topic. If you have more points that you would like to add to the contents of this page, please E-mail us at IqraSense [at] HilalPlaza . com. We will review your content and if appropriate would add to the contents of this page.

 

Back to Islam Homepage