In Muslim social system importance of marriage is huge and even Qu’ran encourages marriage as an institution most liked by Allah. Man and woman were created to acompany one another. Even theProphet spoke about the importance of marriage as an act that pleases Allah.
Marriage in Islam is based on bringing up new generation and making nice atmosphere for both, husband and wife. Husband and wife should always comfort each other and their marriage should be friendship above all. That is not only a way to legalize sexual relation but creating friendship and unity between husband and wife. Marriage in Islam gives the husband and wife way to escape solitude and complement one another.
A Muslim man and woman are free to choose their spouse and both should be suitable and equal to marry which means they are not already married or related. Islam gives attention to the compatibility of spouses not only moral, but also intellectual and above all spiritually. Only that way husband and wife can be suitable to unite and maintain a good marriage. Parents shouldn’t force their children to marry against their will.
The most important criterion for choosing a spose is faith, morality, compatibility and ability to love each other making proper environment where they are going to raise their children. Man and woman should understand what is marriage and to respect and please each other. It is also very important to get consent of the girl’s father before marriage because that is not only a bond between husband and wife but also two families. That way is shown respect to parents and door are opened to better relation between families.
The man shouldn’t marry if he is not able to support his family and provide necessary things for his wife. For both man and woman marriage becomes obligatory only in case they feel they might commit Zina. In such case marriage is the best way to prevent wrong actions and keeping them on the right road. For such man or woman marriage shouldn’t be delayed under any circumstances.
There is no dating before each other are committed and no physical relationship until they are married. The couple is not allowed to spend time alone but they need to talk and look at each other because they have to get to know each other before marriage to be able to relate well.
Man is responsible for his wife and her well being. He must provide all necessary things for her from clothes, medication, food etc. This applies no matter is his wife non-Muslim or a Muslim. Her dowry belongs to her and she doesn’t have to give it to the husband. The husband must respect his wife and treat her as equal even if he has more wives.
The wife should respect her husband, to be honest with him and trustworthy. She must be faithful and never to accept men in their house without his knowledge or to accept gifts from them. The wife should be attractive to husband and not to refuse him without reason such as illness. Otherwise she might tempt him to adultery or cause problems in their marriage.
Marriage in islam is considered as half of religion because that way Muslim is protected from many bad things such are adultery, homosexuality or promiscuity.
