Marriage in Islam
Muslims often practice arranged marriages, this is when the parents of the girl
negotiate with the parents of the man to arrange a match between them. It is the
Muslim view that their parents will always seek to find good, compatible partners
for their children and they may not approve of an unwise romance. The children
must, however, agree to the match.
The wedding ceremony is a simple affair and the bride does not even have to go as
long as witnesses are present. Red patterns are painted in Henna on her hands and
feet, these have no religious significance, they are only for decoration.
After the wedding there is a party called a Walima for friends and family. This is a
religious ceremony and the men celebrate separately from the women.
A Muslim wife has many rights in the marriage, these are detailed in the wedding
contract she agrees to. A sum of money called a dowry is paid to the woman, she is
allowed to keep this, even if the marriage fails and ends up in divorce.
Can a Muslim have more than one wife? (Polygamy)
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so
accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant
the taking of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Quran, only on
condition that the husband is scrupulously fair.
Is Islamic marriage like Christian marriage?
A Muslim marriage is not a ‘sacrament’, but a simple, legal agreement in which
either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely
from country to country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is not
forbidden as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl can be forced to
marry against her will: her parents will simply suggest young men may think may be
suitable.
The basic rules governing marriage are:
(1)
Both people are single. God discourages polygamy. Polygamy is allowed only
under very specific circumstances.
[4:127] You can never be equitable in dealing with more than one wife, no matter how hard you
try.
(2) There is an interim waiting period for recent divorcees or widows/widowers
that must be fulfilled.
[65:1]O you prophet, when you people divorce the women, you shall ensure that a divorce
interim is fulfilled. You shall measure such an interim precisely.
(3) There must be mutual attraction and dowry. The dowry, after due negotiation,
must be paid by the man to the woman accordingly.
[4:4] You shall give the women their due dowries, equitably. If they willingly forfeit anything,
then you may accept it; it is rightfully yours.
(4) Marriage being a sacred institution, the marriage should be fair and equitable
to all concerned. Common sense decrees that the stepfather will treat his
stepdaughter like a member of his family and love and protect her accordingly.
However, the daughter must also continue to enjoy the rights and privileges she
enjoyed from her previous father/family.
[4:127] You shall restore the rights of orphaned girls whom you cheat out of their due dowries
when you wish to marry them: you shall not take advantage of them. The rights of orphaned boys
must also be protected as well. You shall treat the orphans equitably. Whatever good you do,
GOD is fully aware thereof."