8 Essential Rules of Islamic Marriage: A Comprehensive Guide

Allah has commanded the believers who can marry to do so, due to its moral, spiritual, social, and psychological benefits, as well as its role in protecting oneself from falling into sin. Just as Islam has established rules for all aspects of life, Allah has set rules of Islam marriage to organize it, define the rights and duties of each party, achieve affection and understanding between spouses, ensure family stability, and preserve women’s rights. These rules of Islam marriage are derived from two main sources: the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah.

 (يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ، مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْكُمُ الْبَاءَةَ فَلْيَتَزَوَّجْ، فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ )

“O young men, whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding one’s chastity. Whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it will be a restraint for him.

The purpose of marriage in Islam :

There are several objectives for marriage in Islam, including:

Fulfilling sexual desires and protecting society from moral deviations. Every individual has sexual needs that must be satisfied, and marriage is the legitimate and legal way to fulfill this instinct and human nature. Otherwise, society would be exposed to moral corruption and loss,highlighting the importance of following the rules of Islam marriage.

Allah Almighty said: “It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives” (Al-Baqarah: 187).

Building a family and having children. Marriage is the legitimate way to have children and provide them with psychological and emotional stability, raising them in a righteous environment with their father and mother.The rules of Islam marriage ensure that children are raised in a stable household. Otherwise, if a child comes without knowing his father, he may be exposed to psychological disturbance.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought” (Ar-Rum: 21).

Allah Almighty said: “And Allah has made for you from yourselves mates and has made for you from your mates sons and grandchildren” (An-Nahl:72). Understanding and following the rules of Islam marriage helps in creating a harmonious family unit.

Achieving psychological and emotional stability for the individual. One of the most important goals of marriage is to achieve psychological and emotional stability between spouses, and to create affection and mercy between them.The rules of Islam marriage guide couples in fostering this stability.The husband sees that he is among family and a wife who loves him and whom he loves, with affection and mercy between them. They share life’s difficulties, responsibilities, joys, and sorrows together. They have children who are the fruit of marriage, an important factor in family stability, and a source of true joy for their parents. When parents grow older, they find someone to take care of them.  Allah Almighty said: ‘They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them’ (Al-Baqarah: 187).

Preserving lineages from mixing and maintaining the purity of offspring. The rules of Islam marriage play a crucial role in ensuring the clarity of lineage and the proper upbringing of children.

Rules for choosing a husband :

The most important thing in marriage , according to the rules of Islam marriage. is choosing the right life partner. The most important criterion set by Islam in choosing a spouse is that they have good character and are religious. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When someone whose religion and character you are satisfied with comes to you [to marry], then marry him. If you do not do so, there will be trials in the land and widespread corruption.

The husband should know the teachings of his religion, fear Allah in his treatment of his wife, have good morals, and a good reputation among people. He must have the ability to bear responsibility, support, and provide for his wife, children, and household. There should also be intellectual and cultural compatibility between the spouses.

There is a hadith that clarifies the basic criteria for choosing a husband or wife. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A woman is married for four reasons: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty, and for her religion. Choose the religious woman, and you will prosper.”

By adhering to these rules of Islam marriage in choosing a husband, Muslim women can ensure they select a partner who will uphold the principles of their faith and contribute to a harmonious marital life. The rules of Islam marriage serve as a guide to help individuals make informed decisions in this crucial aspect of their lives, promoting strong, faith-based unions that benefit both the couple and the wider community.

Conditions of marriage in Islam :

The rules of Islam marriage outline several important conditions that must be met for a valid Islamic marriage:

• Islamic marriage requires that both spouses are content with the marriage without coercion.Forced marriage is contrary to Islamic teachings and the rules of Islam marriage . Allah says: “And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality.” (An-Nisa: 19)
• Mahr (Dowry):  According to the rules of Islam marriage.It is what the husband pays to his wife upon the marriage contract, either immediately or deferred. It is the wife’s right from her husband, and he is obliged to pay it in a reasonable manner. The Sharia has not specified a certain amount for the dowry. Allah says: “And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.” (An-Nisa: 4)
• Wali (Guardian): There must be a guardian for the woman, as she cannot typically marry herself off. Usually, it’s the father, brother, or uncle. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no marriage except with a guardian.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)         The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Any woman who marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is void.”                                                                             The guardian must be male, as a woman cannot marry off another woman. He must be sane, adult, and mature. He must share the same religion as the one he is guardian for; a non-Muslim has no guardianship over a Muslim, and a Muslim has no guardianship over a non-Muslim. He must be just.
• Witnesses: The rules of Islam marriage require that the marriage contract must be witnessed by two witnesses.The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no marriage except with a guardian and two just witnesses.” (Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi)
• Identifying the spouses: Both spouses must be identified by name in the contract.
• Announcement: According to the rules of Islam marriage, The marriage must be publicly announced.The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Announce this marriage and hold it in the mosques and beat the drums for it.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi)
• Intention: The intention of both spouses must be for a permanent marriage, not a temporary or pleasure marriage.
• Chastity and Protection: Both spouses must lower their gaze, stay away from immoralities and vices, and protect themselves from falling into adultery and forbidden relationships.

These conditions preserve the rights of both parties and represent the general framework for a valid marriage in Islam.