Marriage in Islam is one of the most important aspects of the faith, and believers are strongly encouraged in the Koran to marry. Those who do so will receive rewards and favour in the eyes of God. There are numerous versus in the Koran and Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh) that encourage marriage, not only as a social responsibility but also as a way of eradicating adultery, promiscuity and poverty.
In the Koran, it is revealed that God commands to "marry the spouseless among you." and the Sunnah contains many references attributed to the Prophet (pbuh) that encourage marriage. It is for this reason that we see in Islam no tradition similar to that of Christian life long celibacy of priests and nuns. Marriage is seen as a requirement, necessary to fulfil ones religion and seek favour with God. Likewise, there is no shame in Islam with regards to marital relations, as God instructs men in the Koran to visit their wives frequently and perform their marital duties.
A sometimes misunderstood element of Islamic marriage is the sanctioning of polygamy. This is seen by some as oppressive to women and an outdated practise that has no place in a modern society. It can be interpreted however as an option given by God so that, for example in times of war where women outnumber men, war widows will find financial security as a co-wife. It must be noted also that God strictly commands man to only engage in polygamy if he can treat all wives equally, with no favouritism or preference. In Europe the practise is forbidden, and most European Muslims have adopted western principles of monogamy.
Importance
In a culture that has a high moral code where family is key to societal cohesion, marriage is one of the corner stones of the religion. In theory and Islamic teaching, man and wife live together in an equal partnership with differing roles and tasks to perform, in order to ‘live in peace’ with one another.
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