Muslim marriage

By Hana Arafa
June 15, 2020

A Muslim marriage is a sacred knot and a blessing. It’s this connection between two human souls to share their moments of peace, sorrow, and to strengthen.

“And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in peace and tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect”
(Quran Ar-Rum: 30:21).

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُمْ مَوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿٢١﴾
سورة الروم 21

“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.”
(Quran An-Nisa 4:1).

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءَلُونَ بِهِ وَالْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا )
1 : سورة النساء

1. Basis of a Muslim marriage

The above Ayahs demonstrate the fact that Islam considers both genders equal in humanity because they are created from the same soul. In the ultimate wisdom of Allah and as a framework for marriage in Islam, the Quran explains that both genders who are created from the same soul are partners. Hence, none of them is superior or above the law. And above all they both have rights, but they carry different responsibilities.

2. Objective of a Muslim marriage

According to these verses of the Quran, the purpose of marriage is to reside in peace and tranquillity. So This peace is attainable through applying justice and fairness, equity, and fulfillment of mutual rights.

Therefore, any form of injustice, whether it is oppression or persecution is not tolerated in marriage in Islam.

Though no families live in complete bliss all the time and no marriage is immune to trials and tests so a state of tranquillity allows couples to pass these phases with wisdom and patience. Knowing at the end that there will be rewards for life tests helps them navigate their tragedies as obedient servants of Allah.

3. Love in Islam

While love and mercy are two major cornerstones in a Muslim marriage and they are deeper than just the romantic euphoric love that is common nowadays. Love in Islam is sacred. And above all, it is guarded by shariah (Islamic law) through a legal marriage where rights and respect are preserved. Because it needs to cultivate a nourishing environment for a healthy relationship.

4. Meaning of Nikah

Nikah is a marriage in Islam. It is a social contract and a mutual agreement between the bride and the groom where both parties have the liberty to defy various terms in the contract.

In addition, according to the Prophet, “The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble and expense is bestowed.” -“Mishkat al Masabih” compiled by Imam Al Tibrizi

5. Salat Al Istikhara

After the prospected bride and groom have their initial meeting, praying istikhara is recommended to ask God for guidance in making their decision. But The answer doesn’t have to be in a dream as some assume. However, it could be in the form of comfort and chemistry between the bride and the groom or general ease in the following steps of marriage.

Duaa Al Istikhara

6. Primary requirements of a Muslim marriage

– A mutual agreement by the bride and the groom

– Two adults and sane witnesses

-Mahr (marriage gift) to be paid by the groom to the bride, either immediately (muajjal) or deferred (muakhkhar) or a combination of both

7. Secondary requirements

-Legal guardian that represents the bride (Wakeel)

-Written marriage contract (“Aqd-Nikah) signed by the bride and the groom and in addition witnessed by two adults and sane witnesses

-State-appointed Muslim judge (Qadi) and similarly Ma’zoon (a responsible person officiating the marriage ceremony)

-Marriage speech (Khutbah Al Nikah)

8. Duaa of marriage

‏Abu Huraira reported that when someone was united in marriage and then the prophet (PBUH) would say

Barak Allahu lakum wa barak ‘aleikum wa jama’ bainakuma fi khair.

‏عن ‏ ‏أبي هريرة ‏أن النبي ‏ ‏صلى الله ‏عليه وسلم ‏ ‏كان إذا ‏ ‏رفأ ‏ ‏قال‏ بارك الله لكم‏ وبارك عليكم وجمع بينكما في خير‏

9. Walimah

After the consummation of the marriage, the groom holds a banquet called a walimah where friends, family, and people from the community are invited to join for the marriage announcement.

As a matter of fact, lavish spending is not encouraged at weddings so the money could be spent more wisely to benefit the couple and the community.

Upon invitation, Muslims are recommended to attend marriage ceremonies and share happiness with the bride and the groom’s family and friends.

10. Duaa for a peaceful home

In conclusion, marriage requires work from both partners for the relationship to thrive and grow every day. So asking God for sakinah at home is equally valuable.

The Prophet (pbuh) taught the companions this duaa: