Reasons for Marriage

God -glory be to Him- has ordained marriage for a variety of important reasons and wisdom. Below are some of the key aspects:

To protect each partner from the temptations of immorality and prohibited enjoyment that can corrupt society.
To strengthen the bonds between families and tribes, as marriage has historically facilitated connections and understanding among families.
To ensure that each spouse enjoys the companionship of the other and fulfills their mutual rights; the man is responsible for providing for the woman in terms of food, clothing, housing, and similar needs, while the woman is expected to manage the household, care for the children, and safeguard the family’s assets.
To increase the number of Muslims and bolster their strength, a goal emphasized in Islamic teachings.
To achieve the blessing of children, who are considered the adornment of life and a source of happiness for their parents.
To ensure the peaceful continuation of the human species and elevate humanity to a dignified existence; without marriage, either humanity would face extinction or procreate through immoral means, leading to individuals of unknown origin.
To provide emotional comfort and tranquility for both partners involved.

Conditions for Valid Marriage

For marriage to be valid in Islamic law, several conditions must be met. The following outlines these conditions:

The woman must be legally eligible for marriage; that is, she should not be prohibited from marrying the man for any temporary or permanent reason.
The marriage must not be temporary; temporary marriage is considered a form of pleasure marriage, which is categorically rejected by the consensus of scholars.
Neither partner should be in a state of pilgrimage (Ihram) at the time of the marriage contract, as per the majority. However, the Hanafi school of thought permits marriage during Ihram under certain circumstances.
Witnesses must be present for the marriage, according to the opinion of the majority of scholars.

In Islamic tradition, certain essential components must be present in a marriage contract. These components include:

The proposal (Ijab); this is the statement made by the guardian of the woman or their representative, indicating the intention to marry her to the man.
The acceptance (Qabul); this is the statement made by the man or his representative, indicating his agreement to marry the woman.
The presence of both partners, who must be free from any impediments that would invalidate the marriage contract.