Islamic Marriage Handbook for Young Muslims pdf

Islamic Marriage Handbook for Young Muslims

ISLAMIC MARRIAGE HANDBOOK FOR YOUNG MUSLIMS

Book Contents

• Introduction  
• Importance of Marriage in Islam  
• When Must We Marry?  
• Selection of Spouse
• The Marriage Ceremony
• The Wedding Night  
• Days and Times for Sex  
• Sexual Techniques  
• Dua for Pregnancy
• Contraceptives and Abortion  
• The Major Ablution (Ghusl Janabat)
• Mutual Rights and Behaviour  
• Duties of other family members
• Glossary of Islamic Terms  
• Bibliography  
• Endnote

Book’s Introduction

Who needs this book?

This book is compiled for those intending to marry in the near future or the newly married people. In this short handbook we have tried to put things in a nutshell.

 It is recommended to do a detailed reading of other books on Marriage, references of which are given at the end of this book.

Why do we need to know the rules?

It is the duty of every Muslim to follow the Islamic laws not only in matters of prayers and fasting but in all his actions.

Islam has well defined rules about marriage and sex too.

So if you want to follow Islam fully, then you must know the Islamic rules and regulations governing married life.

 Islam has never repressed the natural feelings of human beings but provides rules which are divine.

This will not only enable you to be faithful to your religion but would also shield you from the barrage of Sex literature that portrays this natural instinct as one that must be left uncontrolled.

Western sexual morality permits many things that are prohibited in Islam.

The reason for the prohibition of certain actions is not to act as an infringement of an individual’s freedom but because Islam is concerned not only with your physical well being but also your spiritual enhancement. Moreover, we can see the degradation of society where absolute sexual freedom prevails.

Main Objective of the book

The commencement of a new life takes place through marriage. If Islamic rules are known and followed, the child born will be chaste.

Insha Allah our progeny can then be capable of being the Imam’s (a.s.) followers.

Note

Islamic Marriage is of two types; permanent and temporary (Muta’). Since this book was compiled mostly for those entering into a permnce, the topic of Muta’ has not been covered.

IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM

The Holy Quran says,

And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.²

The above ayat begins with the words Wa Ankehoo (And marry…) The imperative form of the word ‘nikah’ implies that either it is obligatory or highly recommended.³ According to scholars, though marriage is a highly recommended act, it becomes obligatory when there is a chance of falling into sin.

The Prophet says, “No house has been built in Islam more beloved in the sight of Allah than through marriage.” ⁴

On another occasion the Prophet (s.a.) said,

“The best people of my nation (Ummat) are those who get married and have chosen their wives, and the worst people of my nation are those who have kept away from marriage  and  are  passing  their lives as bachelors

² Surah Nur 24: 32

³ Marriage and Morals in Islam, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

⁴ Wasaelush Shia, vol. 14, p. 3

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) exhorts, “Marry, because marriage is the tradition of the Prophet.” The Prophet (s.a.) also said,

 “Whosoever likes to follow my tradition, then he should know that marriage is from my tradition.” ⁶

Importance of sex in marriage

In Islam, marriage is not restricted to a platonic relationship between husband and wife, nor is it solely for procreation. The Islamic term for marriage, “nikah” literally means sexual intercourse.⁷

So why has Islam provided extensive rules and regulation regarding sex?

 This was because Islam has fully understood that sexual instincts cannot and must not be repressed. They can only be regulated for the well being of human beings in this life and for their success in the hereafter.

Sex in married life has been openly recommended in Qur’an, ‘When they [i.e., the wives] have cleansed themselves [after menstruation], you go into them as Allah has commanded.” ⁸

Fulfillment of Sexual Urge

⁵ Mustadrakul Wasael, Muhaddith Noori, vol. 2, p. 531 quoted in A Gift for the Youth, Shabeeb Rizvi

⁶ Wasaelush Shia, vol. 14, p. 3-4, 6

⁷ Marriage and Morals in Islam, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

⁸ Surah Baqarah 2:222