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Islamic studies

Marriage
Name: Hishaam Soydan
Date: 11th March 2013

The significance of marriage in Islam

"When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of imaan, so let him fear Allah
regarding the remaining half."

Wisdom of marriage
i.
ii.

iii.

It is a social obligation and the natural relationship between man and woman.
Protection of moral and purity.
Love and mercy

Requirements of marriage
The Islamic law has taken in to consideration the question of compatibility and
suitability between a man and a woman before contracting their marriage. The
Sharia commands and approves that kafa'at between the two people should be kept
in mind the time of their marriage. This is desirable and more conductive to a happy
and successful marriage.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said to companion (RA) who wanted to marry a woman:" If
you can see her (before marrying her), see her." Seeing each other is another
requirement of marriage for it helps in establishing and developing love and
affection between the married couple. It is also quite natural that both the man and
woman would like to have a look at the person to whom they are going to be
married for very often it is the first look that determines the fate of marriage.
One of the primary and fundamental factors of a happy and successful marriage is
that it be contracted with mutual consent and agreement. If the man and the
woman have been married by their parents or guardians without their consent, then
this marriage is neither lawful in the sight of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) nor
conductive to the happiness and pleasure of the married couple. It is therefore
absolutely necessary and vital that the couple to be married must be consulted and
their willing consent obtained before their marriage. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
"A virgin should not be married against her consent a widow should give her
consent." (Bukhari and Muslims)
The presence of the guardian of the girl and his consent to the marriage is
recommended in Islam. But in the case of minor girls it is obligatory in order to
protect the rights, interests and other such matters relating to the marriage of the
minor girls. As she is unable fully to understand and grasp, at this age, the
significance of marriage, it is desirable and necessary that her father or guardian
should have the right to advise her in her marriage.
The marriage ceremony is a declaration by the marrying couple that they have
united in wedlock and that they want the public to know this fact about them in
order that they may in future be treated as such for all social purposes. The holy
prophet (PBUH) strongly urged his companions to publicize the marriage. To

publicize a marriage means that it should be performed in public (among relatives


and friends) gathered at the time of the marriage ceremony.

The Islamic law requires that a marriage cannot be contracted without the
presence of at least two male witnesses, or one male and two females. They
must be sane, adult and Muslims. Evidence is an essential condition of
marriage. It is necessary because it is a contact which cannot be valid
without two witnesses. The Holy Quran says: {O believers, when you deal
with each other, in transaction involving future obligations for affixed period
of time, reduce them in writing, and get two witnesses from your men, and if
there are not two men, then a man and two women such as you choose for
witnesses.} [2:282]. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) condemned a marriage
without witnesses. All companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were of the
opinion that without two witnesses, a marriage ceremony is void.
Another factor which forms part of the marriage contract is the dowry given
by the husband to his bride at the time of the marriage ceremony. It is
enjoined by the Holy Quran in these words: {And give the dowries willingly to
the women (as an obligation) but if they, of their own accord, remit a portion
of the dowry, you may enjoy it with pleasure} [4:41]. There are no rules
regarding the amount of dowry in the Quran and the Sunnah. The actual
dowry is determined by the social and financial position of the man and the
wish of the bride. However Allah (SWT) does not want to burden the people
beyond what they can bear easily without much inconvenience. The Holy
Quran says: {Allah does not burden any human being a responsibility heavier
than he can bear. [2: 286]. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) says: "The marriage
which produces most blessings is that which involves the least burden."
(Bayhaqi)
The Walimaah is also a very good means of publicity for a marriage. This
leaves no doubt in the authenticity of the marriage which is essential from
the view point of preservation of genealogy. This party clearly places
marriage on a high footing and gives expression to the matrimonial
relationship before the public. The party is also aware to express one's
gratefulness to Allah for the blessing of marriage through which one's
household is fully established. This also implies great honor and prestige for
the wife and the family. By spending his money and inviting people to the
party, the husband proves that he holds this relationship in great esteem.
Such ceremonies help also in joining many families together and thereby
strengthening the ties of relationship.

Marriage is a great step in the life of the young people. It is a new start
whereby they intend to form a family. Therefore, naturally, they feel a great
delight and pleasure in it and the Walimaah is a means of expressing this
delight. It is also a way to encourage generosity and to curb any tendency to
miserliness.

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