Marriage in Islam
Marriage is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wa Sallam) has told us how to live as a Muslim, and one of
the branches of faith is marriage. It has been thus narrated in
a Hadeeth that when a person marries, he has complete half of
his religion and so he should fear Allah regarding the remaining
half.
Shame, modesty, moral and social values and control of self
desire are just a few of the many teachings of Islam. Furthermore,
these are just a few of the many worships that a person can
complete by performing the ritual of marriage. Through marriage
a person can be saved from many shameless and immoral sins
and through marriage he has is more able to control his desire.
Therefore, the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:
“O young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Marriage is a strong oath that takes place between the man and woman in this world, but its blessings and contract continues even in Jannah. It is the way of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam), and whoever goes against this practice has been reprimanded.
Hadhrat Anas ibn Malik narrates:
A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said:
“Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven.”
Then one of them said: “I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever.”
The other said: “I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast.”
The third said: “I will keep away from the woman and will not marry forever.”
Allah’s Apostle came to them and said, “Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry woman. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (from my followers).” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Therefore, Islamically, we are all encouraged to get married and not turn away from the ways of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam). It should be remembered that this duty of marriage is for both men and women. Just as men complete half their religion through this act, it is also the same for women. However, in today’s time, there are many marriage-related issues which arise in people’s life, as today we see many people abusing the laws of marriage in Islam.
When marrying, each becomes the other’s lifetime companion. Each should understand and appreciate that Allah has brought them both together and that their destiny in life has now become one. Whatever the circumstances: happiness or sorrow; health or sickness; wealth or poverty; comfort or hardship; trial or ease; all events are to be confronted together as a team with mutual affection and respect. No matter how wealthy, affluent, materially prosperous and “better-off” another couple may appear, one’s circumstances are to be happily accepted with qanã‘at (contentment upon the Choice of Allah). The wife should happily accept her husband, his home and income as her lot and should always feel that her husband is her true beloved and best friend and well-wisher in all family decisions. The husband too should accept his wife as his partner-for-life and not cast a glance towards another.
Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “The best of you is he who is best to his family”. (Mishkat)
It was the noble practice of Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) to conscientise the spouses about the fear for Allah before performing a Nikah by reciting the verses (Nisa v14, Ahzab v69, Al-Imraan v101) from the Quran. All the verses are common in the message of Taqwa (fear of Allah). The spouses will be first committed to Allah before being committed to their partner. There can be no doubt in the success of a marriage governed by the fear of Allah. I hope and wish every person a very happy and prosperous married life. May peace and Allah’s blessing be upon you.
It's taken from here.