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Marriage In Islam
By Dr. Aisha Hamdan.
Marriage in Islam is considered a natural bond between men and women. Indeed, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) says in the Qur'an, "O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person, and from him He created his wife, and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights and do not cut the relations of the wombs (kinship)" (al-Nisaa:1). The Prophet (sal allahu alayhi wassalam), in describing the similitude of men to women said, "Women are the siblings of men." And in another chapter, we are reminded that men and women are not created in vain nor is their natural affinity towards one another a coincidence. We read in the Qur'an that Allah created love and affection in the hearts of spouses towards one another as an indication of His great signs: "And among His signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find respose and comfort in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed Signs for a people who reflect" (al-Rum:21) .
From the outset, Muslims are reminded that the marital relationship is one of love, mercy, and understanding. Men in particular are encouraged to treat their wives with kindness as stated in both the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (sal allahu alayhi wassalam). The Qur'an states, "And consort with your wives in a goodly manner, for if you dislike them, it may well be that you dislike something which Allah might yet make a source of abundant good" (al-Nisaa:19). The Prophet (SAWS) said: "The best of you is the one who is best to his family (wife) and I am the best of you to my family . " Since people's actions are judged by their intentions, one of the first steps to prepare for marriage is for the potential groom and bridegroom to make sincere intentions to begin married life. In addition, people are enjoined to ensure that all preparations, beginning with the selection of one's potential mate, are carried out according to Shariah. A successful marriage is an important relationship in society. Indeed, among the recommended prayers for a blessed union are those directly recorded in the Qur'an. For example, both partners are encouraged to pray for a successful marriage and a pious family. In the Qur'an we read, "Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious" (al-Furqaan 74). Similarly, the Prophet (sal allahu alayhi wassalam) said: "Four aspects are sources of happiness: a pious wife, a spacious house, a pious neighbor, and a means of transportation that is fast and pleasing. And four are sources of unhappiness: an evil wife, an evil neighbor, and evil means of transportation and cramped housing." The following sayings of the Prophet (sal allahu alayhi wassalam) also emphasize the importance of a pious husband and wife . 
It is reported that the Prophet (sal allahu alayhi wassalam) also said: "All of the world are but articles or commodities. And the best of all objects of benefit of this world is a pious wife."
The Prophet (sal allahu alayhi wassalam) said: "A thankful heart, a tongue that mentions (Allah) and a pious wife to help you in the affairs of your world and your religion are better than what the people are treasuring."
He also said: "Whoever marries has completed half of his faith. So let him have fear of Allah in the remaining half."
We close here with a few reminders. In general, we are reminded to seek the guidance and beneficence of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) in every matter concerning marriage. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) may only bless or be pleased with an act done with the sincere intention of pleasing Him. It is our duty to be aware of and complying with the laws of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). This means of course that we should approach our local Imams and read books by knowledgeable scholars so that we may know the fiqh of marriage. As we see so often today, if we do not reflect and act upon some or all of the reminders above, this may severely affect the marriage. 
Dr. Aisha Hamdan is a contributing writer to Islam Online. She currently serves as the director of the Islamic Education Foundation in Minnesota.
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