Wednesday, 13 November 2024

What is Marriage according to Quran?

The Qur'an offers guidance on the purpose, principles, and rights of marriage, highlighting the importance of kindness, equity, and love within the marital relationship. Below are key points regarding marriage according to the Qur'an:

1. Marriage as a Divine Blessing

Marriage is a sign of Allah's wisdom and mercy, and it is regarded as a fundamental part of human existence. Allah has created men and women to live together in harmony and mutual support.

  • Qur'an (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:21):
    "And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought."

This verse emphasizes that the primary purpose of marriage is to find tranquility (peace) and affection and mercy from one another. It underscores the importance of emotional and spiritual fulfillment within the marriage.

2. A Source of Comfort and Support

The relationship between husband and wife is intended to be one of mutual comfort, support, and encouragement. Marriage in Islam provides a foundation for emotional and physical well-being, where both spouses help each other cope with the challenges of life.

  • Qur'an (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187):
    "They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them."

This metaphor of clothing conveys the idea that spouses are meant to protect, cover, and support each other. Just as clothing provides comfort, warmth, and modesty, spouses should provide these same qualities for each other in their marriage.

3. Rights and Responsibilities of Both Partners

The Qur'an emphasizes that both the husband and wife have rights and responsibilities toward each other. There is a balance of rights and duties meant to ensure a healthy, respectful, and just relationship.

  • Qur'an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:19):
    "And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good."

This verse encourages kindness, respect, and fair treatment in marriage. Even if there are differences or dislikes between the spouses, they are still urged to act with kindness and to recognize that sometimes there is hidden good in challenging situations.

Additionally, the Qur'an acknowledges that husbands and wives should consult each other in family affairs and show mutual respect and cooperation.

4. Equality in Marriage

Although there are different roles for husbands and wives in marriage, the Qur'an promotes the idea of equality in terms of spiritual status and mutual respect. Both partners are to be treated with fairness, kindness, and love.

  • Qur'an (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:71):
    "The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong."

This verse emphasizes that men and women are partners in fulfilling the moral and social responsibilities within the community, and marriage is a cooperative partnership in this regard.

5. The Purpose of Procreation

One of the important purposes of marriage in Islam is procreation, or having children. The Qur'an highlights that children are a blessing and a gift from Allah, and their upbringing is a responsibility that should be shared by both parents.

  • Qur'an (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:74):
    "And those who say, 'Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous."

Children are viewed as a source of joy and a means of earning reward in the Hereafter, provided they are raised with love, care, and proper values.

6. Marriage as a Way to Avoid Immorality

Islam sees marriage as a way to protect individuals from falling into sinful behavior. It is a legitimate means for fulfilling one's natural desires while maintaining moral integrity. The Qur'an promotes chastity and warns against unlawful sexual relationships.

  • Qur'an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:3):
    "Then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one..."

The Qur'an allows polygyny under certain conditions, specifically if a man can be just and fair to all his wives. However, it strongly emphasizes justice and equity in marital relationships and cautions against injustice toward women.

  • Qur'an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:24):
    "...and those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse among you – punish them..."

This highlights that marriage provides a lawful and moral framework for sexual relations and prohibits unlawful ones, helping to maintain social order.

7. Divorce in Islam

The Qur'an acknowledges that marriage may not always work out and offers guidelines for how to handle divorce in a fair and just manner. Divorce is allowed in Islam, but it is considered a last resort after all attempts at reconciliation have been exhausted.

  • Qur'an (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:229):
    "Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with kindness."

The Qur'an advises that if divorce becomes necessary, it should be done with dignity and respect for both parties. Both the husband and wife have rights after divorce, including financial support (for the wife) and the fair treatment of children.

8. Mutual Love and Mercy

The Qur'an stresses that marriage is not just about legal and social obligations but also about nurturing love and mercy between spouses. The emotional connection is integral to a successful marriage.

  • Qur'an (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:21):
    "And He placed between you affection and mercy..."

This verse reinforces the idea that love and mercy are essential qualities that should be cultivated in the relationship between husband and wife.

9. Spiritual and Emotional Partnership

Marriage is considered a means to provide spiritual support to one another. A good marriage can help both partners grow closer to Allah, supporting one another in fulfilling their religious obligations and encouraging each other toward righteousness.

  • Qur'an (Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:12):
    "O Prophet, when the believing women come to you pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor bring forth slander, nor disobey you in anything good, then accept their pledge."

This verse reflects the importance of mutual commitment in marriage, where both partners uphold their moral and religious duties.


In Summary:

The Qur'an presents marriage as a deeply meaningful, divinely ordained institution. It is a means of achieving emotional and spiritual fulfillment, providing companionship, protection, and support. It is a partnership based on kindness, respect, and mutual rights and responsibilities, with the ultimate goal of bringing peace, love, and mercy to both partners. Marriage in Islam is also a way to protect one's moral integrity, fulfill natural desires in a lawful manner, and create a stable family that contributes positively to society.

Marriage is not only a social contract but a spiritual commitment that aligns with divine principles of fairness, compassion, and mutual respect.

Share:

0 comments:

Post a Comment