Islam does not see marriage merely as a social custom; it is a lawful way to order and beautify life and part of a way of living in line with the Sunnah. Ittefaq set out ten benefits of marriage drawn from the Quran and Hadith.

In a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari the Prophet (peace be upon him) told young people that whoever can afford to marry should do so, since it helps lower the gaze and guard chastity, and that whoever cannot should fast. Another well-known narration likens marriage to completing half of one's faith.

Verse 21 of Surah Ar-Rum calls the marital bond one of God's signs: He created spouses for people from among themselves so that they may find tranquillity in them, and placed love and mercy between them.

Verse 187 of Surah Al-Baqarah calls husband and wife garments for each other. As a garment covers and protects, the article explains, spouses become a shelter for each other by keeping each other's weaknesses private, standing together in hardship and keeping mutual respect.

Verse 32 of Surah An-Nur tells believers to marry off the unmarried and promises that God will enrich those who are poor. The article is careful to add that this does not mean everyone's finances will change the same way after marriage; the verse teaches reliance on God.

Verse 72 of Surah An-Nahl speaks of children and grandchildren given through spouses. A narration in Sahih Muslim calls a righteous wife the best of this world's goods, and a righteous spouse is a companion in obedience to God.

Photo: Zainub Razvi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Source: Ittefaq