The Five Rulings of Marriage
Islamic scholars have clarified that marriage holds five legal rulings for men, which may be categorized as obligatory, recommended, prohibited, disliked, or permissible. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Marriage is part of my tradition, and whoever does not follow my tradition is not of me. Marry, for I will boast about your numbers on the Day of Judgment. And whoever is able should marry; and whoever cannot, should fast, for fasting is a shield.” The rulings are outlined as follows:
Instances Where Marriage is Recommended
The ruling of marriage is considered recommended when a young man has the financial means to marry and can afford marriage expenses but does not fear falling into sin (such as fornication) if he remains unmarried. In such cases, marriage is encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised: “O youth, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps lower the gaze and safeguard private parts.”
Instances Where Marriage is Obligatory
Marriage becomes obligatory when a Muslim is financially capable and responsible for the duties of marriage and is certain that remaining unmarried will lead him to commit fornication. In this scenario, marrying becomes a compulsory act for him.
Instances Where Marriage is Permissible
The ruling of marriage is deemed permissible if a young man is wealthy yet does not experience sexual desire, meaning he does not fear committing fornication if he remains single. In this case, marriage is allowed primarily for the benefit of the wife.
Instances Where Marriage is Disliked
Marriage may be viewed as disliked if a person fears that they will be unjust or unable to uphold the responsibilities of marriage, such as being incapable of providing financial support, mistreating their spouse, or losing interest in their partner. Under these circumstances, marriage is considered undesirable.
Instances Where Marriage is Prohibited
Marriage is classified as prohibited when a person is certain that they will unjustly harm their spouse, be unable to provide financial support, or fail to meet marital obligations, such as physical intimacy or fairness if they intend to marry multiple partners.
Reasons for the Legislation of Marriage
Allah (SWT) has legislated marriage for various reasons, which are explained in the Quran and Sunnah. The primary wisdom behind the sanctioning of marriage includes:
- It serves as a means to achieve chastity.
Marriage preserves one’s chastity by avoiding sinful acts such as fornication and safeguarding the gaze from prohibited sights.
- It facilitates tranquility and peace for both spouses.
As mentioned in the Quran: “And among 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. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.”
- It promotes procreation and population growth.
Through marriage, the Muslim population increases. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged: “Marry those who are single, for I will boast about your numbers on the Day of Judgment.”
- It encapsulates the mutual service of each spouse to the other.
In marriage, each partner fulfills the roles that align with their natural responsibilities as ordained by Allah. The man is accountable for providing for and supporting his wife and children, while the woman tends to the household and raises the children. When the husband returns home weary from work, he finds comfort in his wife and children, and they find joy in his return, leading to a stable and harmonious household.