Marriage in Islam:

Marriage (Nikah) in Islam is a sacred contract between a man and a woman that establishes rights, responsibilities, and love between them. It is highly recommended and considered an act of worship that brings blessings and stability to society.

1. The Importance of Marriage in Islam

📖 Allah says in the Qur’an:

"And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them, and He has placed between you affection and mercy. Verily, in this are signs for those who reflect."

(Surah Ar-Rum 30:21)

🔹 This verse shows that marriage brings love, peace, and mercy between a husband and wife.

🔹 This means marriage is strongly encouraged in Islam.

2. The Purpose of Marriage in Islam

✅ To worship Allah and follow the Sunnah.

✅ To maintain chastity and protect oneself from sin.

✅ To build a family and raise children in an Islamic way.

✅ To find love, companionship, and support in life.

📖 Allah says:

"They (your spouses) are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

🔹 This means that a husband and wife should protect, comfort, and support each other like clothes protect the body.

3. The Rules of Marriage in Islam

A. Who Can You Marry?

✅ Muslim men can marry:

1. Muslim women

2. Chaste women from the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:5)

✅ Muslim women can only marry:

• Muslim men (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:221)

❌ Who is Forbidden to Marry?

📖 Allah says in the Qur’an: (Surah An-Nisa 4:23-24)

• Close family members (e.g., mother, sister, daughter, aunt, niece).

• Married women (unless they are divorced or widowed).

• Polytheists and idol worshippers .

B. Conditions for a Valid Islamic Marriage

For a marriage to be Islamic and valid, it must meet 5 conditions:

1. Mutual Consent of the Bride and Groom

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

“A woman should not be married until her permission is sought.” (Bukhari, 5136; Muslim, 1419)

🔹 Both the man and woman must agree to the marriage without force.

2. Presence of a Wali (Guardian) for the Bride

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

"There is no marriage without the permission of a guardian (wali)." (Abu Dawood)

✅ The bride’s father, brother, or closest male relative should act as her wali (guardian).

✅ If she has no Muslim male relatives, an Islamic scholar or community leader can act as the wali.

3. Presence of Two Muslim Witnesses

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

"There is no marriage except with a wali and two witnesses."

✅ Two adult Muslim witnesses must be present for the Nikah to be valid.

4. The Mahr (Dowry)

📖 Allah says:

“And give the women their Mahr (dowry) as a free gift.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:4)

✅ The Mahr is a gift given by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage.

✅ It can be money, gold, property, or anything valuable.

✅ It should be agreed upon before the marriage.

5. The Nikah Ceremony (Marriage Contract)

✅ The marriage contract includes:

1. The proposal (Ijab) – The groom or his representative says, "I marry you."

2. The acceptance (Qabul) – The bride or her wali says, "I accept."

3. The witnesses and wali approve.

4. The Mahr is agreed upon.

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The most blessed marriage is the one with the least expenses." (Ibn Hibban, 4075)

🔹 Islam encourages simple marriages without unnecessary expenses.

4. The Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage

A. The Husband’s Responsibilities

📖 Allah says:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given them more strength and because they support them financially." (Surah An-Nisa 4:34)

✅ Provide for his wife (food, clothing, home).

✅ Treat her with kindness and respect. (Surah An-Nisa 4:19)

✅ Fulfill her emotional and physical needs. (Hadith: Muslim, 1218)

✅ Be faithful and fair if he has more than one wife. (Surah An-Nisa 4:3)

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi, 1162)

B. The Wife’s Responsibilities

📖 Allah says:

"The righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard what Allah has entrusted them with." (Surah An-Nisa 4:34)

✅ Obey her husband in matters of goodness.

✅ Take care of the home and family.

✅ Be loyal and supportive.

✅ Respect her husband's rights and protect his honor. (Hadith: Bukhari, 1463)

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

"If a woman prays her five daily prayers, fasts in Ramadan, guards her chastity, and obeys her husband, she will enter Paradise." (Ibn Hibban, 4252)

5. Divorce in Islam

📖 Allah says:

"And if they decide to separate, Allah will enrich both of them from His bounty." (Surah An-Nisa 4:130)

✅ Divorce (Talaq) is allowed as a last option.

✅ The couple must try reconciliation first. (Surah An-Nisa 4:35)

✅ If divorce happens, there is a waiting period (Iddah) of three menstrual cycles for the wife.

🔹 This means divorce should only be done when necessary.

Final Advice for a New Muslim

✅ Marriage is a Sunnah and a source of blessings.

✅ Choose a spouse based on faith and good character. (Hadith: Bukhari, 5090)

the Prophet said: “A woman may be married for four things: Her wealth, her lineage, her beauty or for her religion. Choose the religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e., may you prosper).

✅ Keep marriage simple and avoid unnecessary expenses.

✅ Always seek Allah’s guidance in marriage.

📖 The Prophet ﷺ taught us a dua to say before marriage:

"O Allah, bless this marriage for us, and place love and mercy between us."

Would you like help with finding a spouse, preparing for marriage, or learning about Islamic weddings? 😊