Marriage is one of the most important relationship in Islam. It is the first relationship Allah SWT made between Prophet Adam and Hawa (Eve) and all other relations ships are result of this relationship. Marriage is an act of Sunnah and is highly recommended in Islam. Islam also regards marriage as a way to acquire spiritual perfection.
Allah says in Qur’an:
“And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in peace and tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect” (Quran 30:21).
The above verse shows that it is very important to marry because Allah SWT has made us for each other and he places love and mercy in our hearts.
“And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.” (Surah an-Nur, 24:32)
From the above verse it is imperative that Allah want us to live a social life instead of living in apostasy. Islam forbids apostasy and given us social responsibilities and marriage is one of most important responsibility one can have in social life. Allah SWT also mentions in Quran that don’t avoid marriage because of lack of financial sources. Most of people now a day spend most of life in building their career before marriage and marry in middle ages. This make them deprive of happiness of life and
bear the hardships of life alone. In Surah Nisa Allah SWT says:
“O Humans revere your Guardian Lord, Who created you from a single person created of like nature its mate, and from this scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allah through Whom you claim your mutual rights” (Quran 4:1).
Importance of marriage in Islam is also evident from the verse below:
“And Allah has made for you your mates of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best.” [Noble Quran 16:72]
Importance of Marriage according to hadith:
Prophet Mohammed Peace be upon him said:
“O you young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty.” [Al-Bukhari]
The above hadith shows that Islam wants its believers to live a life of modesty and chastity instead of vagrant relationships.
“Marriage is my sunnah. Whosoever keeps away from it is not from me.”
The hadith above shows dislike of prophet Mohammed Peace be upon him for a person who avoids marriage for no reason.
“Modesty was regarded as a great virtue by the Prophet. He said, “Modesty is part of faith.” [Al-Bukhari]
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No previously-married woman (widow or divorcee) may be married until she has been asked about her wishes (i.e., she should state clearly her wishes), and no virgin should be married until her permission has been asked (i.e., until she has agreed either in words or by remaining silent).” They asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, how is her permission given (because she will feel very shy)?” He said: “By her silence.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4741)
Islam regards marriage as a right of the individual and therefore others cannot make the decision for them This shows that permission of women is necessary in Islam for marriage. A widowed or divorced women must give verbal permission for their marriage and virgin girl’s permission must be asked. There is no forced marriage in Islam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Announce marriages.” (Reported by Imaam Ahmad; classed as hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1027)