Islam has paid attention to all aspects of the lives of Muslims, including the matter of marriage, allah has ordained marriage for every human being as a universal practice respected by individuals. Thus, understanding the Islam rules on marriage is important and necessary for the stability and success of this legitimate relationship between a man and a woman, under the banner of love and mercy as recommended by the Holy Quran.
Islam rules on marriage
Allah has set conditions for the marriage contract that must be met for the marriage to be valid, The conditions for a valid marriage contract in Islam are as follows:
- Identification of both the groom and the bride: This can be done by naming them, pointing to them, describing them, or similar methods.
- Mutual consent: Both parties must consent to the marriage, as indicated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “A previously married woman should not be married until her opinion is sought, and a virgin should not be married until her permission is sought” (Bukhari).
- Witnesses: The marriage must be witnessed, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no marriage except with a guardian and two witnesses” (Tirmidhi).
- Guardian for the bride: The guardian must conduct the marriage for the woman, as Allah addressed the guardians in marriage by saying, “And marry the unmarried among you” (Quran 24:32), and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Any woman who marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is invalid” (Abu Dawood).
The guardian must meet certain criteria in Islam rules on marriage:
Must be of sound mind.
Must be an adult.
Must be free (not a slave).
Must share the same religion as the person they are a guardian for, as a non-Muslim cannot be a guardian for a Muslim, and vice versa.
Must be just, a characteristic opposed to immorality; some scholars require justice, while others accept apparent justice, and some consider it sufficient if the guardian seeks the best interest of the person they are representing.
Must be male, as a woman cannot act as a guardian for another woman.
Must be mature and capable of discerning a suitable match for marriage.
In Islam rules on marriage, these conditions must be met for the marriage contract to be considered valid.
Is marriage in islam compulsory?
Marriage in Islamic religion is a legal requirement, but it is not an obligation or a fard (compulsory act). It is rather a Sunnah (recommended practice) of life. Marriage is the legal and sanctioned path that Allah has allowed us all to establish a family, a home, and to have healthy children. It brings stability to the individual and the society, and preserves the human system.
Marriage is not an obligation in Islam, but rather a personal choice left to each Muslim. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the youth to get married, saying: “O young people! Whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding one’s chastity, and whoever cannot afford it, then he should fast, for that will be a shield for him.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encourages marriage for those who can afford it, but he does not impose it on those who cannot. This is because marriage entails material and moral responsibilities that some may not be capable of fulfilling.
In reality, there are some cases where marriage may be more recommended, such as in situations where there is fear of falling into adultery or immorality. In these cases, marriage becomes closer to being an obligation. There are also other cases where marriage may be disliked or forbidden, such as the inability to financially support the wife and children, or the inability to be fair among multiple wives in case of polygamy.
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Islamic rules before marriage
Before marriage, there are numerous rules that every young man or woman aspiring to get married must adhere to in order to ensure the marriage is conducted properly and in accordance with Islamic teachings. Some of the most important Islamic rules before marriage are:
Istikhara and supplication before considering marriage: The Muslim is advised to seek guidance from Allah through prayer and consultation with their parents and elders. This helps ensure the decision is made with spiritual awareness and wisdom.
Choosing a suitable life partner: The selection should be made on religious and moral grounds, such as discipline, good conduct, and responsibility.
Involving the families in the selection process: To ensure the decision is based on reason and wisdom, the families of the bride and groom should be involved to maintain integrity and transparency in the marriage.
The dowry and marriage contract: There must be a formal agreement and written marriage contract between the bride and groom, and the dowry must be paid to the bride as a gift.
The engagement and wedding feast: There may be a formal engagement period before the marriage, during which the couple and their families can get to know each other better. The wedding feast is the celebratory occasion that follows the marriage ceremony.
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Marriage islam hadith
There are a set of hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) that explain the importance of marriage and the rules of marriage in Islam, which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has encouraged us to follow, among the most important hadiths are the following:
It is authentically reported from Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O young people! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, and whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it will shield him [from temptation].
It is authentically reported from Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Is it not that Allah has made for you that which you may give in charity? Verily, every Tasbeehah (saying ‘Subhan-Allah’) is a charity, and every Takbeerah (saying ‘Allahu Akbar’) is a charity, and every Tahmeedah (saying ‘Al-hamdu lillah’) is a charity, and every Tahleelah (saying ‘La ilaha illallah’) is a charity. And commanding good and forbidding evil is a charity, and your sexual intercourse (with your wife) is a charity.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Verily, you will not spend anything (in Allah’s Cause) seeking Allah’s Countenance, but you will be rewarded for it, even [the food] that you put in your wife’s mouth.
hadith about Islam rules on marriage, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is the right of Allah to help the one who marries seeking chastity from what Allah has made unlawful…” [6] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are three (types of people) whom Allah has undertaken to help: the one who goes for Jihad in Allah’s Cause, the one who intends to perform ‘Umrah (pilgrimage to Makkah) and the one who marries with the intention of keeping his chastity.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If there comes to you one with whose religion and character you are pleased, then marry him (to your daughter or female relative).
hadith about Islam rules on marriage, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. So marry the one who is religiously committed, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e. may you prosper).
Conclusion
islam rules on marriage emphasize the sacred and social importance of this institution. Marriage in Islam is a lifelong commitment that is encouraged and regulated through specific guidelines and principles. The Islamic framework for marriage aims to promote stability, morality, and the overall well-being of individuals, families, and society as a whole.
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FAQS
Are Islamic marriages legal in the UK?
Yes, Islamic marriages are legally recognized in the UK. However, couples must also have a civil marriage ceremony to be legally married under UK law. islam rules on marriage state that a marriage contract must be drawn up and witnessed by an imam or other authorized person.
Can Muslims get married during Ramadan?
Yes, according to islam rules on marriage, it is permitted to get married during the holy month of Ramadan. In fact, many Muslims prefer to hold wedding ceremonies during Ramadan as it is considered a blessed and auspicious time.
What does Islam say about marriage?
In Islam, islam rules on marriage state that it is strongly encouraged and considered a religious duty. Marriage is seen as a sacred bond that brings stability to society and allows for properly raising children. Islam emphasizes the importance of marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.
What is forbidden in Islamic marriage?
According to Islam rules on marriage, some of the forbidden practices include forced marriage, child marriage, polygamy without the consent of existing wives, and marriage between close blood relatives. Islam also forbids adultery, divorce without proper cause, and mistreatment of one’s spouse.
What are the rules for husband and wife in Islam?
Islam rules on marriage outline mutual rights and responsibilities for the husband and wife. Key principles include treating each other with kindness, respect, and fairness; maintaining fidelity; providing financial support; and consulting each other on important decisions. Islam emphasizes the complementary roles of the spouses in a marriage.
What rules do Muslims have to follow regarding marriage?
Islam rules on marriage include obtaining parental consent, having a formal marriage contract, maintaining modesty and propriety during the courtship, and fulfilling the financial obligations of the marriage such as the dowry. Muslims are also expected to marry within the faith and avoid relationships outside of marriage.
Why is marriage important in Islam?
In Islam, rules on marriage consider it a sacred institution that is crucial for the well-being of individuals and society. Marriage is viewed as a way to foster love, compassion, and mutual support between spouses. It also provides a framework for raising children and maintaining moral and social order.
What is the purpose of marriage in Islam?
According to Islam rules on marriage, the primary purposes include:
1) providing companionship and intimacy between spouses.
2) procreation and rearing of children in a stable family environment,
3) regulating sexual relations, and
4) promoting spiritual, emotional, and social well-being.
