By
Hussain
Junaid
Adnan
Yusuf
MARRIAGE
You shall encourage those of you who are single to get married. They may marry the righteous among your male and female servants, if they are poor. Allah will enrich them from His grace. Allah is Bounteous, Knower. {24:32}
DEFINITIONS
Marriage- the legally or formally recognized union of two people (same or opposite sex) as partners in a relationship.
Monogamy- the practice of marrying or state of being married to one person at a time
Polygamy- the practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. (Generally having more than one wife.)
Cohabition- To live together in a sexual relationship, when not legally married.
Civil Partnership- a legally recognized union of a same-sex couple, with rights similar to those of marriage. (in certain countries)
Same-sex Marriage- marriage between partners of the same sex
Arranged Marriage- a marriage planned and agreed by the families or guardians of the couple
Wedding- a marriage ceremony
Civil Marriage Ceremony- a non-religious legal marriage ceremony performed by a government official or functionary.
Religious Marriage Ceremony- A ceremony performed by a religious figure
Dowry- an amount of property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage. (In Islam the husband does the owry to the bride)
Views and teachings
Attitudes to Civil Partnership and Same Sex marriage
A civil partnership is a way same sex couples can publicly acknowledge their relationship and get protection from the law, with the same status as the civil ceremonies heterosexual couples have.
Homosexual relationships are forbidden as it is seen as unnatural. In the Quran it says, "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" (Surah 26:165-166). In practice, it is often ignored that the activities should result in death as it is impure.
Other quotes on same sex marriage:
"When a man mounts another man, the throne of God shakes." Hadith
"Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant!" (Surah 27:55)
Attitudes to forced and arranged marriage
In Islam, arranged marriage is permissable however forced marriage isn't. In an arranged marriage the individual getting married is allowed to refuse if they wish, however in a forced marriage the individual has no say. This is because in Islam it is believed that marriage is a right of the individual and the decision should not be made by others. “O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness....." (Surah 4:19), This shows that a man can not marry a woman who does not wish to marry him and can be interpretted the same way for a woman marrying a man who does no wish to marry them.
Teachings on Marriage
Teachings, Impacts and Reasons for Marriage
In Islam, marriage is seen as half of ones faith. This is shown when the Prophet (S.A.W) said, "When a man marries he has fulfilled half of the Deen (religion); so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.". This does not simply mean that getting married automatically takes care of half your faith, because it is about the trials within the marriage. It is said to be half of a persons faith as it becomes a major part in their lives and they shouldn't abandon it on hopes of pleasing Allah, as Allah will put them through hardships such as raisingchildren or even getting along, and it is also important for them to pleasure each other sexually as it is also their duty upon each other.
Other Quotes on marriage:
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, "A man marries a woman for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character). So marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper".
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, "If Allah grants a Muslim a righteous wife, this helps him preserve half of his religion (faith). He should, therefore, fear Allah as regards the other half."
The Prophet (S.A.W) said,"The most perfect believer in faith is the one whose character is finest and who is kindest to his wife."
Marriage Ceremonies
Muslim Marriage Ceremony
Before the marriage ceremony both bride and groom have to agree to the marriage, even in an arranged marriage both must agree and are allowed to refuse at any time without feelng embarrassed.
A marriage ceremony can take place at home or in a mosque. An Imaam would conduct i and offten give a speech. When the couples agree to marry they must do it in the presence of 2 witnesses, a declaration is also made to the witnesses that the couple has married in their own free will. Sometimes though the bride doesn't go to the ceremony and instead sends a witness who has heard the bride agree. The groom must also give a dowry to the bride, and if he can not afford to then it is encouraged that they teach the bride as an alternative.
The bride and groom must go through formalities such as promising that the marriage is an of submission to Allah.
It is also tradition to have a feast afterwards which is known as a walimah.
A contract is considered necessary to a valid Islamic marriage, as it outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom and bride.
Civil partnership marriage ceremony and Law
The law of the UK states that you must give a notice to local registry office and have the ceremony (religious or civil) in the next 28 days. In a civil wedding ceremony there must be at least 2 witnesses. They have to pay a minimum of £46 to the registry office and £6 for a certificate on the day or £10 after. They may play music but nothing religious and can exchange vows if they wish.