Introduction to Marriage

Marriage in Islam - An IntroductionMarriage in the dictionary is explained as the name given to when a man and a woman"formally unite for the purpose of living together". In Islam, it is an act which is given great importance both from a religious view point and asocial viewpoint.The subject of marriage is vast and contains manytopics; these topics include:01. If one chooses not to marry or is unable to get married.02. When to get married.03. Love marriages, arranged marriages and force marriages.04. How to choose a suitable spouse.05. How to get married.06. Leading a happy, married life.07. Rights & responsibilities of the husband.08. Rights & responsibilities of the wife.09. Etiquettes involved in a married life.10. Upbringing of children.11. Responsibilities towards one's children.12. Marrying more than one wife (*new*)Marriage is an act which completes and encompasses the many teachings of Islam. It has been thus narrated in a Hadeeth that when a person marries, he has complete half of his religion and so he should fear Allah regarding the remaining half.Shame, modesty, moral and social values and control of self desire are just a few of the many teachings of Islam. Furthermore, these are just a few of the many worships that a person can complete by performing the ritual of marriage. Through marriage a person can be saved from many shameless and immoral sins and through marriage he has is more able to control his desire.Therefore, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:"O young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry,for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty."[Saheeh al-Bukhari]The creation of mankind has been made such that man requires a spouse to complete all that a man requires. Whilst Adam (Alayhis Salaam) was in Jannah he felt a particular loneliness and in response to this loneliness Allah Ta'ala created Hawa (Alayhas Salaam) as a companion for him. This clearly shows that Allah chose women to act as a companion for man and so that they can remove that loneliness and live in harmony. Allah has created our spouses from a part of us. It is a bond that is created by Allah Himself so that we can find peace and tranquillity within our spouses.Allah has stated in Surah al-Rum:"And among His signs is that He has created for you mates from among yourselves,that you may dwell in tranquillity with them;and He has put love and mercy between you.Verily in that are signs for those who reflect."[Surah al-Rum - 30:21]In conclusion, it is simple to deduce that marriage is a form of worship as well as a social necessity. We have been asked to increase the Ummah (followers) and the only permissible way in Islam is through Marriage.Marriage is a strong oath that takes place betweenthe man and women in this world, but its blessings and contract continues even in Jannah.Marriage is the way of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), and whosoever goes against this practice has been reprimanded.Hadhrat Anas ibn Malik narrates:A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said:"Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven."Then one of them said: "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever."The other said: "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast."The third said: "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever."Allah's Apostle came to them and said,"Are you the same people who said so-and-so?By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you;yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women.So he who does not follow my tradition in religion,is not from me (from my followers)."[Saheeh al-Bukhari]Therefore, Islamically, we are all encouraged to get married and not turn away from the ways of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salaam).It should be remembered that this duty of marriage is for both men and women. Just as mencomplete half their religion through this act, it is also the same for women.