Importance of Marriage in Islam
Allah the Al-Mighty said in Surat Ar-Rum: "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."
From this verse, it appears that one of the most important relationships in Islam is the one between husband and wife. Islam pays special attention to this unique relation and encourages it due to its importance in almost all aspects of human life.
Importance of Marriage in Islam:
1- Bing a Means of Completing One's Religion
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of the religion; so let him fear God regarding the remaining half."
It is important to choose carefully your mate, as they represent half of your life. When a man chooses a righteous wife and a wife chooses a righteous man, both have secured half of their religion. So search carefully before putting your religion in the hands of your spouse.
2- Being a Source of Tranquillity
Adam (peace be upon him) was living in Paradise, where he enjoyed all pleasures; however, he was still feeling loneliness, and so Allah created for him Eve from his rib. Even if many people surround a person, he still feels unrest until he is united with his spouse. This shows humans' need for a spouse to feel tranquillity and peace.
3- Fulfilling Natural Needs
Marriage is one of the legal means to fulfill one's natural desires. Such as being sinful for committing illegal sexual relations, you are rewarded for committing legal ones.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "In a man's sexual intercourse there is Sadaqah." On being asked whether a reward would be given for satisfying one’s passion, he said: "Tell me; if he were to devote it to something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to devote it to something lawful, he would have a reward."
So Marriage is considered an act of worshipping and getting close to Allah.
4- Preserving Chastity and Morality
From the previous point, it becomes clear that Marriage helps a man save his chastity and morality. It is represented as a shield against temptation. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Young man, those of you who can support a wife should marry, for it keeps you from looking at strange women and preserves you from immorality; but those who cannot should devote themselves to fasting, for it is a means of suppressing sexual desire."
5- Being a Means of Social and Emotional Stability
Marriage is considered a partnership of two persons: the husband and wife. Both of them should work upon establishing a righteous family, support each other physically and emotionally, form a bond of love and respect, and grow together in faith.
6- Marriage increases Sustenance
When a person gets married to preserve his chastity, Allah will certainly help him and provide him sustenance. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "There are three whom it is right for God to help: the slave whose master has agreed to let him buy his freedom when he wishes to pay the sum, the one who marries desiring to live a chaste life, and the one who fights in God’s path."
7- Bing a Prophetic Tradition and a Means to get Children
Marriage is Sunnah; a person who gets married seeking chastity and to apply a Prophetic Sunnah, he is rewarded. Also, Marriage is the only legal way to get children that protects man's existence and helps build a Muslim Community. So man should thank Allah for this bliss.
Allah the Al-Mighty said: "And Allah has made for you from yourselves mates and has made for you from your mates sons and grandchildren and has provided for you from the good things."
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Marriage is part of my Sunnah, and whoever does not follow my Sunnah has nothing to do with me.
Get married, for I will boast of your great numbers before the nations. Whoever has the means, let him get married, and whoever does not, then he should fast, for it will diminish his desire."
Conclusion:
At the end, it becomes clear that it is important not only on the personal level but for the whole society. So a man should choose a righteous wife to achieve the purposes of Marriage.
