SIGNIFICANCE AND OBLIGATIONS

               Nisa 4:1 O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allâh through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allâh is Ever an All­Watcher over you.

AL QURAN Among his signs is that He created you from dust; and then behold ye are men scattered (far and wide!) And among his signs is this, that he created for you mates from among yourselves that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); verily in that are signs for those who reflect." Surah Ar-Rum, 30:20-21

TAQWAH- The Foundation of Nikah "O ye who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do. Yea fear Allah: for Allah is well acquainted with (all) that you do" Surah Al-Hashar, 59:18

Mutual kindness Treat them (your wives) with kindness; for even if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing which Allah has meant for your own abundant good. Surah 4:19

Marry for religion The Prophet (s) said, "A women is married for four things, her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So you should marry the religious women (otherwise) you will be a loser." -Bukhari

Pious wife is the best provision of this world The whole world is a provision, and the best object of benefit of the world is the pious women. -Muslim

Best amongst you are those who are best to their spouses The best among you is he who is best for his family. For my family, I am the best of all of you." -Ibn Majah, Sunan The most perfect man of religion is one who excels in character. The best among you is he who gives the best treatment to his womenfolk. -At-Tirmidhi

Prophet (S) encouraged marriage Ibn Mas'ud reported that the Messenger of Allah(S) said, "O Youth! Whoever can afford marriage, let him marry, for it (marriage)  helps restrain the eyes (from looking at all things impermissible) and will preserve the honor.  Whoever cannot (afford marriage), let him fast, for it will be a means of protection (against dishonorable conduct)." [Bukhari and Muslim]

SOME GOALS OF ISLAMIC MARRIAGE Preservance of mankind Need for tranquility and harmony Physical and the emotional needs are the most beautiful things that Allah created for mankind to enjoy in wedlock. Extended family with mutual love, respect, assistance , sharing and caring. Creating a healthy society with qualities of love, respect and honor Marriage for the purpose of pleasing Allah

Sunnah of the Prophets Allah made the institution of marriage the practice of the Prophets: "Indeed we sent Prophets before your time and provided for them wives and children." [Sûrah al-Ra`d: 38]   It was the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said quite clearly to those of his followers who wanted to become overly ascetic: "By Allah! I am the most God-fearing among you, and yet I both fast and break my fast; I both pray and sleep; and I marry women. Whoever wishes for a way other than my way is not of me." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

Rights and Obligations for Spouses Allah says: "It is made lawful for you to have intimate relations with your spouses on the the nights of the fasts. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them." [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 187]

Implications of the word garments 1. The word "clothing" in its most literal sense is what immediately covers the body with no barrier in between 2. The word clothing connotes the idea of equality, complementarity, and support of both a psychological and physical nature. The man has his role and the woman has hers 3. Clothing implies adornment and beautification.

Implications of the word garments. 4. Clothing conveys the meaning of covering and concealment. Allah says: "O children of Adam! We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your shame and as an adornment." [Sûrah al-A`râf: 26] 5. Clothing implies cleanliness and purity. This is why Allah commands us saying: "And your clothing, purify it." [Sûrah al-Mudaththir: 4]

Implication of “Garment” 6. Clothing is a sign of wealth and self-sufficiency. In marriage, the husband and wife fulfill each others needs. Allah says: "And those who safeguard their private parts, except from their wives and those whom their right hands possess." [Sûrah al-Mu'minûn: 5-6]

7. Clothing is a pleasure and a delight 7. Clothing is a pleasure and a delight. Indeed, Allah has made clothing one of the pleasures of Paradise. He says: "Their clothing therein shall be of silk" [Sûrah Fâtir: 33] "And they shall wear therein green garments of fine silk and brocade." [Sûrah al-Kahf: 31]

8. Clothing provides protection, shelter, and warmth. Allah says: " 8. Clothing provides protection, shelter, and warmth. Allah says: ".and He has made for you garments that protect you from the heat and coats of mail that protect you in battle." [Sûrah al-Nahl: 81]

9. Clothing implies peace and tranquility 9. Clothing implies peace and tranquility. Allah says: "And we have made the night a clothing." [Sûrah al-Naba': 10]   A husband and wife should find in one another peace and tranquility.

10. Clothing covers a person's body, particularly the private areas 10. Clothing covers a person's body, particularly the private areas. In the same way, a wife protects her husband with herself and likewise protects his wealth and children. The husband in turn protects his wife with himself and safeguards her secrets and fulfills her needs.   Allah says: "Righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in their husbands' absence what Allah would have them guard." [Sûrah al-Nisâ': 34]

11. Clothing connotes quality and goodness 11. Clothing connotes quality and goodness. Allah says: "Good women are for good men and good men are for good women." [Sûrah al-Nûr: 26]

12. Clothing conveys the image of something directly touching the skin 12. Clothing conveys the image of something directly touching the skin. It is an intimate bodily contact without any barrier. When the husband and wife have intimate contact, it is as if their bodies take the place of clothing. Symbolically, there is the implication of close proximity and contact throughout their life together

13. Clothing needs to be kept fresh and clean. It needs to be washed 13. Clothing needs to be kept fresh and clean. It needs to be washed. Likewise the marital relationship between a husband and wife must be refreshed and reinvigorated.

14. Clothing is a personal distinction 14. Clothing is a personal distinction. Each of us wears his or her own personal clothing. One's husband or wife has an even greater exclusivity. Allah says: "And those who safeguard their private parts, except from their wives and those whom their right hands possess." [Sûrah al-Mu'minûn: 5-6]

15. Clothing provides variety 15. Clothing provides variety. Who among us would be content with only one suit of clothes? Likewise the marital life should provide variety. This is why when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the limits that Islam imposes upon a husband and wife in their intimate relations, he made it clear that everything between a husband and wife is permitted except for two things: anal sex and sex when the woman is menstruating