The True Meaning of Marriage: Beyond Legal Obligations

Tariq Bhat 

In today’s society, there are people who believe that marriage is merely about getting legally bound to take care of each other. However, this view is fundamentally flawed. Marriage is much more profound than just a legal obligation.

 

 

 

True marriage means that if one partner is facing any kind of problem, the other should feel it just as deeply. It’s about being united in such a way that each partner’s joys and sorrows are shared equally. A genuine marriage bond should be as inseparable and harmonious as water in the sea, where each drop contributes to the whole.

 

 

 

Marriage is about deep emotional connection, mutual support, and unwavering togetherness. It transcends legal contracts, embodying a partnership where both individuals are fully present for each other in every aspect of life.

 

 

 

 

Islam views marriage as a religious duty, social commitment, and moral safeguard. It is also considered a strong bond, or Mithaqun Ghaleez, which means a challenging commitment to the survival of the human race. The Quran emphasizes marriage as a way to lead a virtuous life, free from immorality and emotional inhibition. Surah Ar-Rum, Verse 21, describes the purpose of marriage as giving each other and obtaining a life of sakinah (peace), mawaddah (love), and rahmah (affection).

 

 

 

 

 

Some scholars have explored whether marriage is obligatory or merely allowed. They agree that if someone has the means to marry and has no fear of mistreating their wife, then marriage is mustahabb (preferred).

 

Prophet Muhammad 

According to a saying of Muhammad, marriage is highly valued and regarded as being half of one’s faith. He also said, “Best among you is one who is best to his wife, and I am best among you in my dealings with my wives”.

 

Quran 24:32 asserts that marriage is a legitimate way to satisfy one’s sexual desire. Islam recognizes the value of sex and companionship and advocates marriage as the foundation for families and channeling the fulfillment of a base need.

 

 

 

Marriage is considered an important institution in Muslim society, and there are several values associated with it. These values may vary depending on the particular culture and interpretation of Islam, but some common themes can be identified.

 

 

 

 

One of the primary values of marriage in Muslim society is the establishment of a family unit. Marriage is seen as a means of creating a stable home environment in which children can be raised and nurtured. The family is viewed as the cornerstone of society, and marriage is seen as the foundation upon which families are built.

 

 

 

 

Another value associated with marriage in Muslim society is the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between spouses. The Quran emphasizes the idea that men and women are partners and companions to each other, and that they should treat each other with kindness and respect. This mutual respect is seen as essential to building a strong and lasting marriage.

 

 

 

Marriage is considered to be one of the most important institutions in Islam. The Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasize the importance of marriage and the value it holds in the eyes of Allah. Islam views marriage as a way to attain peace, tranquility, and love between two individuals, as well as a means to procreate and establish families.

 

 

 

The Quran describes marriage as a sacred bond between a man and a woman: “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in 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) This verse highlights the importance of marriage as a means of finding peace and tranquility through the love and mercy that exists between spouses.