Marriage in Islam

According to Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is nothing like marriage for two who love one another.” Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1847

The Prophet ﷺ also said regarding marriage:

“When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion; so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.” Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 3096

Marriage is a means to attain tranquility of the soul and to ensure the continuity of the Muslim community. The purpose of this article is to explore the essential aspects of marriage in Islam and to see how OAM can accompany you during this stage, inshaAllah!

The Legal Status of Marriage in Islam

The legal status of marriage varies depending on the individual’s situation. However, in many cases, it is considered obligatory for the Muslim and a prophetic tradition that one should hasten to follow.

Indeed, in accordance with the word of Allah عز وجل:

وَأَنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْأَيَٰمَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمَآئِكُمْ إِن يَكُونُوا۟ فُقَرَآءَ يُغْنِهِمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ 

“Marry off the singles among you, as well as the righteous of your male and female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His bounty.” (Surah An-Nur, v.32)

And:

وَمِنْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them; and He has placed between you affection and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.” (Surah Ar-Rum, v.21)

The Prophet ﷺ also commanded it, as reported by Abd-Allâh ibn Masoud (رضي الله عنه):

“O young men! Whoever among you has the means to marry, let him marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding one’s chastity. And whoever is not able to marry, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

The Benefits of Marriage

Indeed, in marriage, by the permission of Allah ta’ala, there are numerous benefits. The foremost among them is obedience to the command of Allah عز وجل and His Messenger ﷺ, as well as following his Sunnah and the example of the previous messengers.

Marriage embodies righteousness for the entire community, both women and men, in religious and worldly affairs. It is a means to realize one’s projects in this world by sharing aspirations and responsibilities with a life partner. It aims to bring happiness to the heart and joy to the soul, offering companionship and mutual support in both trials and successes of this life. Moreover, marriage helps preserve one’s chastity and protect one’s honor through the religious and moral framework it entails. It promotes lowering the gaze and distancing oneself from temptation, in accordance with the word of Allah عز وجل:

.قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.” (Surah An-Nur, v.30)

And in the following verse:

.وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears thereof.” (Surah An-Nur, v.31)

On a broader scale, marriage benefits the entire Muslim community by strengthening it through growth, strength, and autonomy. Through this union, new families are created, community members meet, draw closer, and family ties are reinforced. Regarding these ties, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“The womb is derived from the Most Merciful. Whoever upholds it, Allah will uphold him; and whoever cuts it off, Allah will cut him off.” Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Adab al-Mufrad, Hadith 54

Continuing with the formation of a family, marriage facilitates the immense blessing of having children and being rewarded for raising them and providing for their needs. This also aims to enlarge the community of Muslims, by the permission of Allah.

The Foundations & Conditions of Marriage

1. The Presence of a Guardian (Wali)

According to ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is no marriage without a guardian, and the ruler is the guardian of one who has no guardian.” Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 9, Hadith 1880

The presence of the woman’s guardian, or “wali,” is indeed indispensable during the marriage. This individual is a Muslim man, of sound mind and good character, capable of giving consent—typically the bride’s father, brother, paternal uncle, or paternal grandfather. In the absence of Muslim relatives, the woman may appoint a Muslim following the path of the righteous predecessors, possibly through his wife or an Islamic authority such as an imam.

2. The Presence of Witnesses

Regarding this, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is no marriage without a guardian and two trustworthy witnesses.” Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 2085

The presence of two witnesses of good character is necessary during the formalization of the marriage contract. Like the guardian, they must be present at the ceremony, be of sound mind, and possess good morals.

3. Mutual Consent of the Spouses

The exchange of consents must be validated, meaning the witnesses must hear the approval of both spouses. Forced marriage is absolutely not permitted in Islam, and anyone considering this should fear Allah – Ta’âla – in making such a decision.

According to Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ said:

“A previously-married woman should not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin should not be married until her consent is sought.” Sahih Muslim, Book 8, Hadith 1419a

4. Mutual Agreement Regarding the Dowry (Mahr)

The dowry, or “mahr,” is the sum of money (or other assets) given to the wife on the occasion of the marriage contract. It is a right of the woman by virtue of the marriage, whether it was stipulated as a condition of the marriage or not. The dowry can be a sum of money, but it can also be a benefit (in kind). Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ married a man and a woman in exchange for the husband teaching his wife a passage from the Quran.

فَمَا ٱسْتَمْتَعْتُم بِهِۦ مِنْهُنَّ فَـَٔاتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةً وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا تَرَٰضَيْتُم بِهِۦ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلْفَرِيضَةِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

“So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise” (Surah An-Nisa, v.24)

Preparation for the Big Day

Your marriage is a unique event, and every detail counts. Here are some tips for choosing your wedding attire:

• Choose Quality Fabrics: Opt for noble and comfortable materials that add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

• Aim for Elegant Simplicity: A simple yet elegant dress, adorned with subtle details, can make all the difference. Discreet patterns and refined cuts are perfect for a sophisticated and modest look. Simplicity is often synonymous with elegance.

• Accessorize Discreetly: Accessories can complete your outfit without overloading it. Choose fine and elegant jewelry, as well as a matching hijab for a harmonious look. Well-chosen accessories can enhance your outfit without being excessive.

• Opt for Subtle Colors: Pastel and neutral colors are ideal for a wedding, symbolizing purity and serenity. Shades of white or beige are timeless choices.

⚠️ Ornaments, jewelry, and all other embellishment accessories should be worn only among women or in the presence of your mahrams.

Bridal Outfits at OAM

To accompany you on this symbolic day, Oummi Abi Moi offers you a Special White Collection, allowing you to be elegant while respecting the limits of the legislated veil.

Two cuts of abayas are offered in this collection: the timeless Saudi abaya and the refined buffy sleeve abaya, paired with the white 3-layer khimar in Caviary fabric and delicately white muslin for an outfit suitable for this beautiful occasion, inshaAllah.

If you have doubts about the legislated nature of this outfit on your wedding day, we invite you to consult the fatwa of Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, rahimahullah, regarding the bride wearing a white dress on her wedding day.

In Conclusion!

Marriage in Islam is a precious and significant stage of life. At OAM, we are dedicated to offering you modest, elegant, and durable outfits to accompany you on this beautiful journey.

We invite you to discover our two outfits and let yourself be inspired to create unforgettable memories on your wedding day. May Allah bless you, place blessings upon you, and unite you both in goodness. ♥️