When the Divine Message of Islam was revealed it brought with it radical reforms in many areas, including marriage. This included limiting the number of wives a man can have to four and requiring them to consult each other on the contract.
It also made it obligatory for women to marry if they cannot provide themselves or fear falling into immoral deeds unnecessarily. This was to protect their morals and uphold the rights of others.
1. It is a Symbol of Love
In Islam, a husband and wife should be loving and supportive towards each other. They should share in each other’s happiness and sadness. They should always remember Allah’s blessings upon them and pray for His forgiveness. They should also be faithful to one another, and never have prohibited relationships outside of marriage.
The spouse of a believer is an important factor in the success and progress of their religion. A pious and harmonious partner helps them avoid evil deeds, purify their souls, and achieve nearness to Allah.
This is why the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of marrying a pious and faithful partner. He advised, “If you choose a man for marriage, then select him from those who have faith and fear God.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah). A man should not marry a woman who does not adhere to Islam.
2. It is a Sign of Submission
Islam believes that marriage is a sign of submission. It is a form of obedience to God and a way to maintain chastity. Marriage also protects people from haram or forbidden acts. For example, a spouse can help a person refrain from engaging in illegitimate sexual activities or from socialising with men of the opposite sex.
Islam also requires that both the man and woman willingly consent to the marriage and that it be made public. They must also meet and discuss the marriage with a chaperon present. This helps to prevent forced marriages, which are strictly forbidden in Islam. In addition, the groom must have at least two witnesses present for the Nikah ceremony. Otherwise, the marriage is not valid. The family is the cornerstone of society, and marriage is essential to its success.
3. It is a Sign of Peace
Islam takes into account all of the genuine human instincts in its understanding of marriage. While fulfilling one’s physical needs in a decent way is one of the purposes, it is not considered the main purpose as mentioned in the Qur’an: “Among His signs is that He created for you spouses of your kind that you may repose to them in tranquility and He instilled between you love and mercy; verily, in this are signs for those who reflect” (Ar-Rum 30: 21).
Furthermore, marriage helps protect individuals from sinful acts such as fornication, homosexuality and masturbation. This is because it takes away the temptation and provides a positive alternative that encourages piety and good behaviour in family life. It also fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility in the Muslim household.
4. It is a Sign of Companionship
Islam emphasises the importance of marriage as a sign of companionship between a man and woman. It is a great source of happiness and fulfilment in this life and the next.
It also helps to safeguard one’s imaan (faith) as it stops them from committing sins such as intermingling with people of the opposite sex.
A man who wished to marry a Muslim woman must first obtain her guardian’s (wali’s) consent to do so. Then, he must announce the marriage publicly by striking the drum (duff).
This ensures that the husband is not trying to take advantage of his wife and that her consent was genuine. This is important because marriage is a sacred act which requires both parties to willingly agree to it in the presence of two just witnesses.
5. It is a Sign of Protection
Islam recognizes that the family is the foundation of society and that no respectable human society could exist without it. Marriage is the primary means of establishing a family.
Moreover, marriage protects a woman by removing her from the possibility of engaging in unlawful sexual activity (haram) with her father, brother, cousin, half-brother, foster sister or any other relative who does not consent to the marriage. This also prevents her from becoming a harlot.
It is the responsibility of a wali to protect his or her wife and children from harm and to ensure that their rights are protected and that their property is safeguarded. A wali can be a blood-relative or, in the absence of any near relative, a Muslim authority such as the local minister of religion or an elder Muslim.
