What does Islam say about marriage (zawaj)?

In a Nutshell: Islam views marriage (nikah) as a sacred contract between a man and a woman, foundational for family life and a fulfilling, virtuous life. It provides halal means to satisfy desires, offers companionship, emotional support and encourages procreation, thus serving as an act of worship. Marriage in Islam elevates the couple, bringing them closer to Allah (swt) and strengthening the Muslim community. Table of Contents: In a Nutshell Introduction Quranic Verses Hadiths Companions' Opinions Scholarly Opinions Marriage in Islam Misconceptions about Marriage in Islam Objections to Marriage in Islam FAQs on Marriage in Islam Conclusion Introduction Marriage is a fundamental institution in Islam, woven into the fabric of society and considered a vital part of a Muslim's faith. The The Prophet (pbuh) declared, Marriage is half of the religion (Bayhaqi), highlighting its immense spiritual and social significance. Marriage serves multiple purposes in Islam. It provides a divinely sanctioned way for individuals to experience intimacy, companionship and emotional support within a loving, mutually respectful partnership. It fosters an environment for raising pious children and promotes collaboration between spouses as they fulfill Islamic obligations and support each other in spiritual growth. Through marriage, Islam seeks to construct a strong societal foundation based on stability, morality and compassion, serving as a core element for a prosperous and harmonious ummah (community). Evidences Quranic Verses And of 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. (Quran 30:21) Marry those among you who are single and the virtuous ones among yourselves, male or female. If they are in poverty, Allah will enrich them from His bounty and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing. (Quran 24:32) ...They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. (Quran 2:187) who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. (Quran 4:1) Hadiths The Prophet (pbuh) said: No house has been built in Islam more beloved in the sight of Allah than through marriage. (Ibn Majah) The Prophet (pbuh) said: When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half." (Bayhaqi) The Prophet (pbuh) said: The world and all things in the world are precious but the most precious thing in the world is a good woman. (Muslim) The Prophet (pbuh) said: A person who possesses the means to marry and does not marry, then he is not from amongst us. (Bayhaqi ) The Prophet (pbuh) said: A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or for her piety. Select the religious one, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e., may you prosper)! (Bukhari and Muslim) The Prophet (pbuh) said: "The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble and expense is bestowed." (Abu Dawud) Companions' Opinions Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said: Do not prevent women from going to the Mosques to pray, but let them go out unperfumed. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) said: A person who has no wife is deprived of much good. Aisha (ra) said: Marriage is from my Sunnah and whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me. (Ibn Majah) Scholarly Opinions Imam al-Ghazali: Marriage is a religious obligation and a moral safeguard. The purpose of marriage is to seek legitimate enjoyment of life, to share in the raising of a family and to participate with one's mate in building a strong Muslim society. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah: Marriage is an act that brings one closer to Allah (swt). It safeguards chastity, builds strong, pious families and forms the cornerstone of a healthy society. Yusuf al-Qaradawi: Marriage offers companionship, stability and emotional support in fulfilling religious and social obligations. It is a fundamental unit upon which the Islamic community is built. Tariq Ramadan: Marriage in Islam is not just a contract, but a covenant and a sacred bond. It requires mutual respect, understanding and compassion to create a loving and fulfilling relationship. Muhammad Asad: Marriage encourages procreation and the continuation of the Muslim community. It provides a divinely ordained outlet for natural desires, promoting morality and protecting society from vice. Marriage in Islam The provided Quranic verses, hadiths, companions' opinions and scholarly interpretations illuminate the multifaceted significance of marriage in Islam. At its core, marriage establishes a sacred bond between a man and woman, fostering a halal (permissible) path to satisfy desires, build a loving and supportive companionship and raise a pious family. Islam recognizes the inherent needs of human beings for intimacy and companionship. Marriage channels those needs in a manner that promotes individual piety and safeguards societal morality. The Prophet (pbuh) emphasizing half of the religion underscores the immense spiritual benefit of marriage. Misconceptions about Marriage Marriage is solely for procreation: While raising children is a blessed aspect of marriage, it is not the exclusive objective. Islam recognizes the importance of companionship, love and emotional fulfillment between spouses. Women are forced into marriage: Islam strictly forbids forced marriage. Consent of both partners is a foundational requirement for a valid nikah (marriage contract). The Prophet (pbuh) instructed, A previously married woman should not be married off unless she is consulted and a virgin should not be married off unless she gives her permission. (Bukhari) Muslim women lack autonomy in marriage: Islamic jurisprudence outlines specific rights for wives, including dower (mahr), financial maintenance and the right to seek divorce under valid grounds. Islam advocates for mutual respect, consultation and kindness between spouses. Marriage restricts freedom: A fulfilling marriage in Islam is built upon collaboration and support. Spouses work together as partners, encouraging each other's growth, spiritual development and positive contributions to society. Polygamy is the norm: While polygamy is permissible under specific conditions in Islam, it is strongly discouraged and limited to ensure justice. Monogamous marriages remain the predominant form of marriage within Muslim communities. Objections to Marriage in Islam High divorce rates in some Muslim societies: Cultural influences and misinterpretations of Islamic law can unfortunately lead to practices conflicting with the principles of justice and compassion within marriage. It is crucial to distinguish between true Islamic teachings and harmful customs. Marriage can be restrictive for individual aspirations: Marriage requires responsibility and commitment, but positive collaboration within a marriage facilitates personal growth and fulfillment of shared goals. Islam also encourages pursuit of education and careers. Fear of unsuccessful marriage due to negative examples: Careful selection of a compatible spouse, premarital counselling and continuous nurturing of the relationship in line with Islamic guidance significantly increase the chances of a successful marriage. Financial barriers: Islam emphasizes simplicity and moderation in weddings. The dower (mahr) is intended to be reasonable and within the groom's means. Financial constraints should not be an absolute barrier to marriage. Societal pressure to marry: While marriage is encouraged in Islam, the decision should be based on personal readiness and finding a suitable partner, not external pressure. FAQs on Marriage in Islam What is the ideal age for marriage in Islam? Islam does not prescribe a specific age but emphasizes maturity and readiness to undertake the responsibilities of marriage. How does one find a spouse in Islam? Acceptable methods include seeking recommendations from family, friends and respected community members, utilizing reputable matrimonial platforms and attending gatherings appropriate for spouse-seeking. What is the role of love in an Islamic marriage? While initial attraction is important, Islam encourages spouses to cultivate deep love, affection and respect over time through kindness, communication and shared spiritual growth. Is interfaith marriage permissible in Islam? A Muslim woman may only marry a Muslim man. A Muslim man may marry a chaste woman from the People of the Book (i.e., Christians or Jews). What are the rights and responsibilities of husbands and wives in Islam? Both spouses have complementary roles and responsibilities aimed at fostering a loving and mutually supportive partnership. Specific rights and duties are outlined in Islamic jurisprudence. Conclusion Marriage in Islam is not merely a social contract but a profound act with spiritual, emotional and societal significance. It provides a framework for individuals to experience love, companionship and support within a divinely sanctioned path. Through marriage, Muslims fulfill their natural desires in a halal manner and cultivate a strong familial foundation vital for a thriving community.