Islam regarding intentions to marry

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In Islam, there are several reasons to marry, and also several things to observe if one is not able to marry. Also, there are restrictions regarding whom one may marry.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Muslims who can marry are required to marry because it helps him from committing illegal sexual intercourse (Arabic: Zina). An unmarried man is deemed not to be fulfilling all his obligations as a Muslim. Muslims who are unable to marry are advised to fast, as fasting helps to diminish his sexual power. Further, a father is expected to help his son to find a suitable wife.

A Muslim cannot marry:

  • Someone who is not one of the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab)
  • A Muslim cannot marry a foster relation as such relations are equated with blood ties.
  • A Muslim is forbidden to ask a woman to marry him if another Muslim has already done so.

[edit] Forbidden

According to Islam, it is forbidden to marry people that do not belong to the People of the Book.

The Qur'an, chapter 24 (An-Noor), verse 3:
“ The fornicator shall not marry any but a fornicatress or idolatress, and (as for) the fornicatress, none shall marry her but a fornicator or an idolater; and it is forbidden to the believers.— translated by M. H. Shakir


”
The Qur'an, chapter 60 (Al-Mumtahina), verse 10:
“ O you who believe! when believing women come to you flying, then examine them; Allah knows best their faith; then if you find them to be believing women, do not send them back to the unbelievers, neither are these (women) lawful for them, nor are those (men) lawful for them, and give them what they have spent; and no blame attaches to you in marrying them when you give them their dowries; and hold not to the ties of marriage of unbelieving women, and ask for what you have spent, and kt them ask for what they have spent. That is Allah's judgment; He judges between you, and Allah is Knowing, Wise.— translated by M. H. Shakir


”

Also, in Islam foster relations are equated with blood relations. Sahih Bukhari 3:48:813.

A Muslim is forbidden by the Sunnah to ask for a woman in marriage when another Muslim has already done so. Al-Muwatta 28 1.1.

[edit] Unmarried

In Islam, marriage is seen as an important institution into which to enter. Muhammad is reported to have said that marriage constitutes half of the religion. In other words, an unmarried man is not fulfilling all his obligations as a Muslim.

At the same time, a father is expected to assist his son in finding a suitable wife.

In Sahih Bukhari 7:62:1:

A narration attributed to Anas ibn Malik reports:

“ A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of [Muhammad] asking how [Muhammad] worshipped [God], and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from [Muhammad] 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 women 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 women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers)." ”

In another hadith in :

A narration attributed to Abdullah reports:

“ We were with [Muhammad] while we were young and had no wealth whatever. So Allah's Apostle said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." ”
Sunnis tend to view this as Sahih and have included it in Sahih Bukhari [1]

Further:

A man must never be alone with a woman unless there is someone who is a Mahram with them. (Bukhari, Muslim)

and:

A man must never be alone with a woman, for verily the Satan is their third. (At-Tirmithee and Ahmad)

[edit] Allowed

The Qur'an, chapter 5 (Al-Ma'ida), verse 5:
“ ... (Lawful to you in marriage) the chaste from among the believing women and the chaste from among those who have been given the Book before you (are lawful for you); when you have given them their dowries, taking (them) in marriage, not fornicating nor taking them for paramours in secret..."— translated by Unknown


”

A narration attributed to Sahl reports:

“ A man passed by Allah's Apostle and Allah's Apostle asked (his companions) "What do you say about this (man)?" They replied, "If he asks for a lady's hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes (for someone) his intercessor should be accepted; and if he speaks, he should be listened to." Allah's Apostle kept silent, and then a man from among the poor Muslims passed by, an Allah's Apostle asked (them) "What do you say about this man?" They replied, "If he asks for a lady's hand in marriage he does not deserve to be married, and he intercedes (for someone), his intercession should not be accepted; And if he speaks, he should not be listened to." Allah's Apostle (saaws) said, "This poor man is better than so many of the first as filling the earth." ”

(Bukhari 7.28)

In Tirmidhi #3090:

A narration attributed to Abu Huraira reports:

“ Allah's Messenger said, "When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to his request. If you do not do so, there will be temptation on Earth and extensive corruption." ”

(Tirmidhi, Nasa'i and Ibn Majah transmitted it.)

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sahih Bukhari 7:62:4

[edit] External links