When the same phrase, Mithaqun Ghalithun, is used for the covenant made between Allah and the Prophet before granting them the responsibility of Prophethood, it becomes clear how serious this covenant is. 33:7 (Quran)
The Arabic word "Hisn" is also used in the Quran, which means "fortress" in Arabic. Marriage is regarded as a stronghold for chastity.
The Reason for Marriage
Marriage serves two key roles as a significant institution:
To preserve the survival of the human species and the human race as a whole,
"O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them has spread abroad a multitude of men and women" (Quran: 4:1)
To equip the family with a spiritual and legal foundation
"And of His signs is this: He created for you mates from yourself that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, therein indeed are portents for folk who reflect". (Quran 30:21)
The conjugal relationship between a man and a woman becomes legal through marriage. It gives a legal means of both recreation and reproduction. Islam considers sex to be natural and good, yet it is limited to married couples in order to ensure accountability for its repercussions.
"Your women are a tilth for you so go to your tilth as you will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that you will (one day) meet him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad)." (Quran 2:223)
Spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological intimacy are all provided by marriage. Love, kindness, compassion, mutual confidence, consolation, and succour are all generated and sustained by this friendship (sakinah). It establishes a spiritual and legal underpinning for family life. The children born of a married relationship get legal status and mutual inheritance rights are established.
Marriage as a Religious Obligation
Marriage is recommended as a religious obligation in Islam.
"Marry those among you who are single and (marry) your slaves, male and female, that are righteous" (Quran 24:32)
The Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
"When the servant of Allah marries, he has fulfilled half the (responsibilities laid on him by the) faith; so let him be God conscious with respect to the other half". (Mishkat)
It is also recognized as the way of prophets:
"We indeed sent messengers before you (O Muhammad), and We assigned them wives and children" (Quran 13:38)
Marriage is, in fact, particularly mentioned in Prophet Muhammad's (S) tradition (sunnah) when he says:
"Marriage is my Sunnah, whoever disregards my (sunnah) path is not from among us". (ibn Majah)
As Prophet Muhammad (S) advised, Islam condemns celibacy and supports marriage:
"Whoever is able to marry, should marry". (Bukhari)
