Importance of marriage in Islam
Marriage Relations
The above ayat begins with the words Wa Ankehoo (And marry…) The imperative form of the word 'nikah' implies...
The Holy Quran says,
﴾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.﴿1
The above ayat begins with the words Wa Ankehoo (And marry…) The imperative form
of the word 'nikah' implies that either it is obligatory or highly recommended.2
According to scholars, though marriage is a highly recommended act, it becomes
obligatory when there is a chance of falling into sin.
The Prophet says, “No house has been built in Islam more beloved in the sight
of Allah than through marriage.”3
On another occasion the Prophet (pbuh&hh) said,
“The best people of my nation (Ummat) are those who get married and have
chosen their wives, and the worst people of my nation are those who have kept
away from marriage and are passing their lives as bachelors.”4
Imam 'Ali (a.s.) exhorts, “Marry, because marriage is the tradition of the
Prophet.” The Prophet (pbuh&hh) also said, “Whosoever likes to follow my
tradition, then he should know that marriage is from my tradition.”5
A. Importance of sex in marriage
In Islam, marriage is not restricted to a platonic relationship between husband
and wife, nor is it solely for procreation. The Islamic term for marriage,
“nikah” literally means sexual intercourse.3
So why has Islam provided extensive rules and regulation regarding sex? This was
because Islam has fully understood that sexual instincts cannot and must not be
repressed. They can only be regulated for the well being of human beings in this
life and for their success in the hereafter.
Sex in married life has been openly recommended in Qur'an,
﴾When they [i.e., the wives] have cleansed themselves [after
menstruation], you go into them as Allah has commanded.﴿6
B. Fulfillment of Sexual Urge
The Holy Prophet (pbuh&hh) and the Holy Imams (a.s.) also encouraged their
followers to marry and to fulfill their sexual urges in lawful ways as can be
seen from the following: The Prophet (pbuh&hh) said, “O you young men! I
recommend marriage to you.”7
Imam Rida (a.s.) said, “Three things are from the traditions of the
messengers of God: using perfume, removing the [excessive] hair and visiting
one's wife.”8
C. Celibacy and Monasticism is Forbidden
Islamic is totally opposed to monasticism and celibacy. 'Uthman bin Maz'un was a
close companion of the Prophet. One day his wife came to the Prophet and
complained, “O Messenger of God! 'Uthman fasts during the day and stands for
prayers during the night.” In other words, she meant to say that her husband was
avoiding sexual relations during the night as well as the day. The Prophet was
angered. He did not even wait to put on his slippers. He went to 'Uthman's house
and found him praying. When 'Uthman finished his prayers and turned towards the
Prophet, he said, “O 'Uthman! Allah did not send me for monasticism, rather
He sent me with a simple and straight [Shariah]. I fast, pray and also have
intimate relations with my wife. So whosoever likes my tradition, then he should
follow it; and marriage is one of my traditions.”9
D. Beneficial Effects of a Married Life
Various studies prove that married people remain healthier, physically and
mentally. Islam, has always maintained that marriage is beneficial for us in
many ways.
Islam also regards marriage as a way to acquire spiritual perfection.
The Prophet (pbuh&hh) said, “One who marries, has already guarded half of his
religion, therefore he should fear Allah for the other half.”10
How true! A person who fulfills his sexual urges lawfully would rarely be
distracted in spiritual pursuits.
E. Marriage enhances the value of prayers
The Prophet (pbuh&hh) said, “Two rak 'ats (cycles) prayed by a married person
are better than the night-vigil and the fast of a single person.”11
A woman came to the Prophet (pbuh&hh) and said that she had tried everything to
attract her husband but in vain; he does not leave his meditation to pay any
attention to her.
The Prophet (pbuh&hh) told her to inform her husband about the reward of sexual
intercourse which he described as follows: “When a man approaches his wife,
he is guarded by two angels and [at that moment in Allah's views] he is like a
warrior fighting for the cause of Allah. When he has intercourse with her, his
sins fall like the leaves of the tree [in fall season]. When he performs the
major ablution, he is cleansed from sins.”12
F. Marriage increases Sustenance
The Holy Prophet (pbuh&hh) remarked, “Give spouses to your single ones,
because Allah makes their morality better (improves it) (under the shadow of
marriage) and expands their sustenance and increases their generosity (human
values).”13
Notes:
1- Surah Nur 24: 32
2- Marriage and Morals in Islam, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
3- Wasaelush Shia, vol. 14, p. 3
4- Mustadrakul Wasael, Muhaddith Noori, vol. 2, p. 531 quoted in A Gift for the
Youth, Shabeeb Rizvi
5- Wasaelush Shia, vol. 14, p. 3-4, 6
6- Surah Baqarah 2:222
7- Wasaelush Shia, vol. 14, p. 25
8- Wasaelush Shia, Vol. 14, p. 4
9- Wasaelush Shia, Vol. 14, p. 10
10- Wasaelush Shia, Vol. 14, p. 5
11- Wasaelush Shia, Vol. 14, p. 7
12- Wasaelush Shia, Vol. 14, p. 74
13- Nawadir al Rawandi, p. 36
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