Islam takes into account all genuine human urges, and marriage is the best way to satisfy them in a respectful manner. It also safeguards society from moral and social degradation.
A spouse provides protection from fahisha (wild acts of attraction) like fornication, adultery and homosexuality. Prophet Muhammad considered that a Muslim who marries has safeguarded half of his religion.
1. It is a symbol of love
When a woman is a symbol of love to her husband, it means that she gives him emotional warmth and comfort throughout his life. Similarly, she protects him in many ways.
In Islam, marriage is a sacred bond that has numerous benefits for both parties. It brings two families together, encourages reconciliation between them, protects the rights of women and children, and produces righteous offspring for this world and the next.
Moreover, a faithful and pious partner plays an important role in helping the Muslim to achieve religious goals. It also enables them to live a life of sakinah, mawaddah, and rahmah. This is why the use of birth control is haram, as it undermines one of the primary purposes of marriage.
2. It is a symbol of unity
Marriage is a symbol of unity in Islam because it brings together two people who are separate into one unit. This makes them a team working together for the good of their family and society. It also protects them from sinful activities such as fornication, homosexuality and masturbation.
In addition, marriage is a sign of mercy and love. These are values that Allah puts high on the scale of life and he explains their importance in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 21.
Hence, it is important for us to understand the importance of marriage in Islam so that we can appreciate its positive effects on our lives and society. Besides that, it will spare us from looking at other women and allow us to preserve our chastity.
3. It is a symbol of respect
Islam teaches us to respect and value the role of women. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) treated all his wives with great kindness. He did not take advantage of them and never abused their wealth or reputations.
The family is the basic unit of society and a healthy one is essential to the preservation of humanity. It is for this reason that Allah commands marriage.
It spares one from looking at what he should not look at and prevents him from engaging in adultery. It is also a means of preserving one’s faith, explains the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon them). The offer and acceptance of a marriage is a sacred matter in Islam. The ijaab and qabool must be expressed clearly and in the presence of witnesses.
4. It is a symbol of commitment
In Islam, marriage is a symbol of commitment between a man and a woman. This commitment is reflected in the marriage contract, the nikah, which includes promises of kindness and respect between the spouses.
The nikah also includes the promise to pay a woman her mahr (dower). This shows the groom’s commitment to taking care of his wife and providing for her.
Moreover, the nikah provides protection from fahisha, or wild acts of sexual desire. Generally, these acts are haram, or impermissible, but the marriage contract makes them halal. Marriage thus shields the individual from many ill deeds that could potentially distract him or her from his or her spiritual progress. It’s important to choose a compatible spouse and to make sure all the terms of the marriage are clear before getting married.
5. It is a symbol of protection
One of the main objectives of marriage is to protect a person from committing immoral acts. In Islam, it is forbidden to socialise with people of the opposite sex or have unlawful sexual intercourse. Marriage helps to protect individuals from committing these sins, and also prevents them from engaging in activities that may harm their imaan (faith).
Another purpose of marriage is to establish healthy families. This is important because family life is a basic cornerstone of society. Hence, Muslims usually arrange their children’s marriages to ensure that they are marrying someone who is good for them morally, spiritually, and socially. In fact, studies show that arranged marriages are more stable and happy than those that occur naturally. It is believed that this reflects the truth of the Islamic doctrine, which aims to raise righteous children and establish a strong and healthy family.
