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.” 5

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

Notes:

2. Surah Nur 24: 32

3. Marriage and Morals in Islam, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

4. Wasaelush Shia, vol. 14, p. 3

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

Adapted from the book: "Islamic Marriage" by: "Sayyid Akhtar Husain S.H. Rizvi"