What-Islam-Says-About-Marriage-1

What Islam Says About Marriage

Women's Fashion

Marriage in Islam is regarded as a sacred institution and a vital part of the social structure. It is not merely a contract but a solemn covenant (Mithaq) that fosters mutual love, respect, and companionship. Here are some key principles and teachings about marriage in Islam:

1. Importance of Marriage

  • Completion of Faith: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half” (Al-Tirmidhi). This underscores the significance of marriage in maintaining one’s faith.
  • Natural and Social Need: Marriage fulfills both natural human needs and societal stability. It provides emotional support, companionship, and a lawful means to fulfill physical desires.

2. Criteria for Choosing a Spouse

  • Piety and Character: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized choosing a spouse based on piety and good character. He said, “A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So, marry the one who is religiously committed” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
  • Mutual Consent: Both parties must willingly consent to the marriage. Forced marriages are not permissible in Islam.

3. Rights and Responsibilities

  • Mutual Rights: Marriage in Islam is based on mutual rights and responsibilities. Both husband and wife have specific rights and duties towards each other to ensure a harmonious relationship.
  • Husband’s Rights: The husband is entitled to respect, loyalty, and support from his wife. He is responsible for providing financial support (Nafaqah) to the family.
  • Wife’s Rights: The wife is entitled to kind treatment, financial support, and protection. She has the right to Mahr (a mandatory gift from the husband).
  • Equality and Justice: The Quran emphasizes equality and justice in marriage. It states, “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them” (Quran 2:228), which implies a responsibility for men to be caretakers and maintainers.

4. Marriage Contract (Nikah)

  • Contractual Agreement: The marriage contract (Nikah) is a binding agreement between the bride and groom. It includes the proposal (Ijab) and acceptance (Qabul) in the presence of witnesses.
  • Mahr: A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, symbolizing his commitment and responsibility.

5. Role of Love and Compassion

  • Foundation of Love: The Quran describes the relationship between spouses as one based on love and mercy. “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” (Quran 30:21).
  • Companionship and Support: Marriage is intended to provide companionship, emotional support, and mutual comfort.

6. Divorce and Its Conditions

  • Last Resort: Divorce is permissible but considered a last resort after all efforts of reconciliation have failed. The Quran provides guidelines for divorce to ensure fairness and justice.
  • Iddah: A waiting period for the woman to ensure she is not pregnant and to allow for possible reconciliation.

7. Polygamy

Conditional Permissibility: Islam allows a man to marry up to four wives, but only under strict conditions of justice and equal treatment. The Quran states, “If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one” (Quran 4:3).

8. Encouragement of Marriage

  • Prohibition of Celibacy: Islam discourages celibacy and encourages marriage as a means to fulfill natural desires lawfully and maintain moral integrity.
  • Encouragement from the Prophet: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged young people to marry, saying, “O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him get married. For it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding one’s chastity” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Marriage in Islam is a sacred institution emphasizing mutual love, respect, and responsibility. It fosters emotional support, companionship, and societal stability. Islamic teachings prioritize piety, mutual consent, and equitable rights in marriage. This ethos extends to Islamic Fashion, which plays a vital role in reflecting modesty and cultural values. Elegant attire like embroidered shalwar kameez, abayas, and trendy hijabs enhance the beauty of the marital bond, blending tradition with modernity. Together, Islamic marriage and fashion honor the sanctity of the relationship, promoting unity and cultural pride in everyday life and special occasions.

Islamic Fashion