Marriage

 The Quran informs us of our worship practices and also covers important matters of family relationships such as marriage and divorce. Kindness and compassion move alongside this, and justice for women provides a key role in this. 

Mates have been created for us all to find love, peace, companionship and fulfillment. [7:189-190] He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: “If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative.” But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership. 

The Quran encourages those of us who have the capacity to get married, though there is no injunction here. This capacity would include moral, physical, mental and financial faculties. The difference of status or wealth between them need not be an impediment (24:32). However, there is a stipulation attached. We are told not to marry idol worshipers (2:221).

 This sort of marriage would be incompatible; you could land up in a virtual hell both in this life and certainly in the Hereafter. The spouse must be virtuous and righteous in light of the Quran. One of the first pre-requisites for marriage for both the male and female would be mental and physical maturity. Maturity is spoken of in [4:5-6] Do not give immature orphans the properties that GOD has entrusted with you as guardians. You shall provide for them therefrom, and clothe them, and treat them kindly. You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner. 

A minor will not be able to take a solemn pledge and covenant. So, child marriages are out. 

Thus, there has to be consent of both parties even if the marriage is “arranged”.

The Quran protects women’s rights and deals with slander, divorce, care of children,  

maintenance, etc. because it recognises that they may be weak and vulnerable. 

I would also like to share some thoughts about a Nikah, or marriage ceremony/contract. There is no direct mention of a specific person who would solemnise the “Nikah” in Quran. Often in traditional Islam, the person presiding mumbles several verses in Arabic and the vast majority of people present do not understand this language. A ceremony is performed but the objective is lost, which is to explain to the prospective bride and groom and all those present the important aspects of matrimony with the great responsibility and compassion involved. So, the recitation of any verse should be followed in a language which is understood by those present. 

The requirements are dowry, reciprocal love and attraction between the parties concerned (4:24). The husband, who is generally, but not always, the bread winner, should be able to provide a decent and comfortable life for his wife and children later (4:34, 24:33, 2:233).

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