Nov
In today’s fast-paced world, young people shy away from being married or staying married. The cause of this could be related to several reasons including the fear of poverty, easy access to premarital sex and lewd contents, immaturity, and lack of suitable companions among others. These pessimistic objectives should not deter anyone from experiencing the benefits of marriage and the joy that comes from blissful matrimony.
Marriage is a central tenet in Islam, embodying the partnership between two individuals that not only brings companionship but also spiritual and social benefits. In today’s world, where individualism and fleeting relationships often take center stage, marriage continues to serve as a bedrock for stability, personal growth, and faith-based fulfillment.
Through marriage, we can gain numerous benefits that will help us both in this life and preparation for the hereafter. Let’s examine some of the benefits we can derive from marriage:
1. Spiritual Fulfillment and Tranquility
Marriage is a means to attain peace and tranquility, as Allah SWT described in the Qur’an:
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy…”
Qur’an 30 [Ar-Rum]:21
In today’s fast-paced yet often lonely world, the marital bond provides a unique source of comfort and stability. The mutual love and mercy fostered between spouses help create an environment of support where both individuals can grow closer to Allah. The emotional support, compassion, and encouragement each spouse provides can lead to a more spiritually fulfilling life, aligning with the Qur’anic emphasis on tranquility and affection within the marital relationship.
2. Guarding Against Temptation and Preserving Modesty
Marriage in Islam is viewed as a safeguard against sins related to temptation and immorality. By channeling one’s desires within the boundaries set by Allah, we can maintain our modesty and purity. For this same reason, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) admonished us thus:
“O young men, those among you who can support a wife should marry, for it restrains eyes and preserves one from immorality…”- Sahih al-Bukhari
With the prevalence of uncommitted relationships and promiscuity in modern society, marriage offers a protected and sanctified means of fulfilling natural desires innate in both genders. This not only preserves an individual’s dignity but also brings blessings from Allah, as they are engaging in a Sunnah encouraged by the Prophet (PBUH). Moreover, this framework helps build a moral society where modesty and respect are upheld, contrasting with the growing challenges posed by promiscuity and casual hookup relationships.
3. Emotional Support and Shared Responsibility
Marriage encourages a sense of shared responsibility, with spouses working together to manage life’s challenges and joys. Your spouse gives you that emotional support you need when things aren’t going right. The Prophet (PBUH) described marriage as a means of completing half of one’s faith:
“When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.” – Tirmidhi
This Hadith amplifies the idea that marriage is more than a social contract; it is a spiritual journey where couples support each other to live according to Islamic principles. The shared responsibility of caring for each other, raising children, and facing life’s trials builds resilience and personal growth. The bond of marriage offers emotional and practical support, helping each partner grow as a Muslim and as a member of their community.
4. The Blessing of Raising a Family and Continuing the Legacy of Islam
Marriage provides a legitimate means to have and raise children within the folds of Islamic guidance. This will allow parents to instill Islamic values in the next generation as the Prophet encouraged us to procreate so as he will be proud of our numbers on the day of resurrection. Raising children is a responsibility entrusted to parents, and marriage provides the framework to raise children in an environment that encourages piety, respect, and devotion to Allah. As societal values are constantly shifting, a solid marriage provides children with a sense of identity, morality, and purpose, helping them to grow into responsible and devout Muslims.
5. Mutual Growth and Development
In marriage, each partner acts as a mirror to the other, helping each other to grow personally and spiritually. Spouses are encouraged to advise and remind each other to stay on the right path. Allah describes the ideal marital relationship as one of mutual support:
“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.” – Qur’an,2[Al-Baqarah]:187
The metaphor of “clothing” signifies how spouses protect, beautify, and cover each other’s faults. In a marriage, each person benefits from the other’s knowledge, strengths, and experiences. You’re meant to encourage one another in acts of worship, and other good deeds, thus enabling each other to earn the pleasure of Allah. This mutual growth is one of the greatest benefits of marriage today, where personal development is often sought individually.
6. Fulfilling a Sunnah and Gaining Rewards
One of the beauties of Islam is that every action you indulge in can result into rewards for you if you have the right intention. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH got married and encouraged his followers to do so, emphasizing its virtues. By marrying to follow the Sunnah, a Muslim earns Allah’s blessings and rewards. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Marriage is my Sunnah, and whoever does not follow my Sunnah has nothing to do with me.” – Sahih al-Bukhari
This Hadith highlights the importance of marriage as a form of worship. Muslims who marry for the sake of Allah and follow the Prophet’s example are rewarded both in this life and in the hereafter as well. In a time when many may question the need for marriage, understanding it as a form of worship can reignite its value and purpose in our lives.
In conclusion, Muslims should desist from the partnership situation in modern times and strive for the institution of marriage. It offers numerous helpful benefits, including spiritual fulfillment, emotional support, and mutual growth. By understanding marriage as a central tenet in Islam, individuals can appreciate its importance and experience a more fulfilling life. Read about how to have a blessed union here