What The Quran (Koran) Says About Marriage?

Unlike Christianity, which look upon the marriage as if it were a necessary evil, Quran regards marriage as a most sacred institution and makes it obligatory for every Muslim man and woman, unless prevented by valid physical or economic incapacity, to lead a married life. In fact marriage is a great protection against immoral activities like establishing illicit relations and such like sins. There are certain rules and regulations set out in Quran to guide the Muslims regarding marriage, which are briefly discussed as under:-

1. A Muslim is prohibited to conduct marriage with his mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, Mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; foster-mothers (Who gave him suck), foster-sisters; his wives' mothers; his step-daughters under his guardianship, born of his wives to whom he has gone in,- no prohibition if he has not gone in;- (Those who have been) wives of his sons proceeding from his loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time. It is also prohibited to conduct marriage with an idolatress until she embarrassed Islam. A Muslim is also prohibited to conduct marriage with a woman who is already in marriage of someone else. With the exception to the above conditions it is lawful to conduct marriage with any other women of your choice. Marriage with slave women is also allowable with leave of their owners.

The Quran advises us to conduct marriage with someone who is chaste and looks good to you.

According to Quran and Islam marriage is just like a contract between husband and wife, hence all the conditions of a contract like; free consent, consideration etc. are to be fulfilled for a valid marriage.

2. The Holy Quran exhorts the followers of Islam to enter into marriage with chaste women:-

“Then marry such woman as seen good to you.” (VI:3)

“And lawful for you are all women, besides those mentioned above, provided that you seek them with your property taking them in marriage, not committing fornication.” (IV:24)

3. At the time of marriage the husband is bound to give dower to the wife. No marriage can be regarded as legally a valid marriage, according to Islam, for which dowry has not been stipulated. Quran says, “And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.

4. Freedom of choosing one’s life partner has been extended both to men and women. No marriage in Islam can be valid without the consent of either partner. It is also urged to treat the wives gently. According to the words of Quran; “O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good."

5. In order to ensure a happy home and a really stable family life, Islam has assigned to marriage the status of a contract dissoluble if either party develops grievances against the other leading to a final and irrevocable break in their mutual relations. In Surah Talaq, the process of divorce has been discussed in detail. It is worth mentioning that divorce though permissible is the most hated halal act by Allah the Almighty.

6. According to the Quran, it is the responsibility of the husband to maintain his wife. He is bound to fulfill all her needs. On the other hand, it is the religious duty of the wife to be loyal and obedient to her husband. According to the words of Quran; “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).”

7. Polygamy is allowable in Islam but under strict conditions. Quran does not enjoin it nor even permit it unconditionally. Thus the Quran states, “And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two, three and four, but if you fear that you may not do justice to them, then marry only one. (iv:3).