Marriage in Islam

Marriage literally means a voluntary union of two people. It is a legal contract between a man and a woman. The consent of both, the groom and the bride with their free wills are compulsory for this agreement of a lifetime. A formal, binding contract having the rights and responsibilities of the groom and bride is considered vital to a religiously valid Islamic marriage.

Islam strongly advocates marriage as it is clear from the following verse of Quran:

“And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.” (Surah an-Nur, 24:32)

Marriage is a social necessity because it is the first step towards establishing a family and a family is the fundamental part of our society. Ea bobeli, it should not be delayed especially if one has the means and capable enough to do so. Marriage is also a form of Ibadah because it is obeying Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him). Since, marriage is the only halal way to coddle intimacy between a man and a woman. Moporofeta (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) ho boletse:

“when a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion , so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.”

Marriage is not a matter which can be taken carelessly. It should be treated with total commitment and full knowledge of what it keeps. It is not like buying a new piece of cloth where you can change it if you don’t like it later on. Your spouse should be your choice for life. One should be mature enough to realize the requirements of marriage so that the relation can be a lasting one. The choice of a partner should be based on “piety” – (Taqwa). It is recommended for the both parties to see each other before entering into the marriage contract. It is quite unfair with the two people to forcefully bind them together and expect a healthy relation even they don’t know each other. Both parties are allowed to look at each other with a critical eye not a lustful one. It is not against the verse of Quran which says that believing men and women should lower their gazes.

After entering into the marriage contract, both the husband and the wife have their rights on each other. These rights includes, maintenance, mahr, material and non-material things, obedience, lerato, respect etc. ‘Tsoelang pele.’ Joale, Islam has also given an option of Khul or divorce to both to be used in severe cases where it became impossible to live together. I have read all these details and much more in a book named, Se sebe se ke ke sa hlahisa letho haese mahlomolaThe book of Nikkah” and “Marital Discord” freely available at online Islamic library. I found these books very helpful and the other books available are also covering the different aspects of our lives and surroundings. I am using eDarussalam library on a free trial of seven days and will surely buy one to have more details on this topic to share here.

Eka Allah (SWT) protect us and our loved ones from sins and worldly lusts and make us the true follower of His following saying, InshaAllah.

“Lower Your Gaze…” (Al-Qur'an)