Marriage — Advice from the Sages of Islam
Articles on marriage from various perspectives
“The love between a husband and wife is a manifestation of the divine love that permeates the universe. In this love, they find a reflection of the eternal love of the Creator for His creation.” — Ibn Arabi
Tahiru Rajab
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) — Hadith
Sahih Bukhari
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘The best of you are those who are best to their wives.’” (Sahih Bukhari 62:128)
“Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘O ‘Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast all day and stand in prayer all night?’ I said, ‘Yes, O Allah’s Apostle!’ He said, ‘Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave it; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your wife has a right over you.’” (Sahih Bukhari 7:127)
Sahih Muslim
“Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: ‘The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best behaviour, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.’” (Sahih Muslim 1468)
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.’” (Sahih Muslim 8:3469)
Jami` at-Tirmidhi
“Narrated ‘Aishah: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.’” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3895)
“Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘A believer must not hate (his wife) believing woman. If he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.’” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1160)
Islamic Scholars and Thinkers
Imam Al-Ghazali
“Marriage is a form of worship and a means of drawing closer to Allah. It is a way to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to fulfil the natural needs of companionship, love, and procreation.”
Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah
“A righteous wife is one of the greatest joys in this life. She is a comfort for her husband’s heart and a source of strength in his worship and worldly matters.”
Imam Al-Shafi’i
“The essence of marriage is companionship and mutual understanding. A successful marriage is built on the foundation of love, trust, and respect for each other.”
Imam Malik
“Marriage is not only about fulfilling physical desires; it is about building a family that lives according to Islamic principles and contributes positively to society.”
Ibn Taymiyyah
“A good marriage is one where both spouses help each other to obey Allah and to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Such a marriage is a source of blessings and mercy from Allah.”
Al-Farabi
“Marriage is the foundation of the family, and the family is the foundation of society. A healthy marriage contributes to the overall well-being of the community.”
Rumi (Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi)
“In marriage, the soul finds its companion, and through this union, they complete each other. This bond is a reflection of the divine love that binds the universe together.”
Contemporary Islamic Thinkers
Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
“Marriage in Islam is not just a legal bond, but a sacred covenant that involves emotional and spiritual commitment. It requires both partners to work together to build a harmonious and loving relationship.”
Sayyid Qutb
“The institution of marriage in Islam is designed to create a peaceful and stable environment where both partners can grow spiritually and emotionally, supporting each other in their journey towards Allah.”
Tariq Ramadan
“Marriage is a partnership based on mutual respect, love, and understanding. It is a means of achieving personal and spiritual growth, and a way to fulfill the divine purpose of creating a loving and nurturing family.”
Hamza Yusuf
“A successful marriage is built on the principles of compassion, kindness, and mutual respect. It requires both partners to be patient, forgiving, and to always strive to improve their relationship for the sake of Allah.”
Sufi Perspectives
Ibn Arabi
“The love between a husband and wife is a manifestation of the divine love that permeates the universe. In this love, they find a reflection of the eternal love of the Creator for His creation.”
Rabia Basri
“In marriage, the love and companionship shared by the couple is a reflection of the soul’s longing for union with the Divine. It is a journey towards spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment.”
These quotes from Islamic sages, scholars, and thinkers highlight marriage's sacredness, the spouses' mutual responsibilities, and the importance of love, respect, and spiritual growth within the marital relationship.
