admin| ALLAH Almighty says in the Holy Qur’aan, “We have indeed honoured mankind and carried them on both land and sea and we have sustained them from the good bounties and we have given them virtue over all creations.” (Ch 15:70). |
The creatures in this universe, created by The Almighty, are innumerable and of all these, man has been classed as the noblest and highest in virtue. It is interesting to note that all the other creations have been created for the service and use of mankind.
This has been revealed at many a place in the Holy Qur’aan. Thus The Almighty shows the special honour granted to mankind. In light of this special divine bestowment, mankind is called upon to conduct their lives in accordance with the command of Allah and not in pursuit of personal passion and lower desires.
Other creatures, like animals and so forth, may eat and drink anything and everything be it permissible or impermissible, be it clean or unclean, be it theirs or others and this is not regarded as a sin.
Similarly they may fulfil their lower basic desires as and when they please with no need of any marriage arrangement and within no set boundary of laws or regulations.
But human beings, the noblest of all creations, are required to engage in what is permissible only even to fulfil one’s lower desires in a permissible and modest manner that is in accordance with the Divine Command.
The marriage ceremony (nikaah) has to be performed and no human is permitted to fulfil his or her lower basic desires outside this bond of matrimony.
Ceremony
In Islam the marriage ceremony is simple and straight forward – when a man or women has selected a partner (spouse), arrangements are made to hold a gathering of people from the community – preferably at the local masjid.
The proposal, from one party and acceptance from the other are clearly announced in the presence of the witnesses (minimum two required). Prior to this the Imaam will start by reciting the praises and Glory of the Almighty and invoking blessings and salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He will also recite several verses from the Holy Qur’aan and quote a few sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
‘God consciousness’
Amongst the verses that are recited a very striking one is, “Oh mankind, observe consciousness of duty to your Lord (The Almighty) who created you from a single soul and created there from the spouse (partner) and caused manifold increase of men and women from them both. Fear the One in whose name you call out (The Almighty) and be mindful of the relationships, indeed Allah is ever watchful over you.” (Ch 4:1)
Actually the nikah is a union of two people, rather two families, wherein there is a mutual agreement or covenant between and parties to respect one another, to fulfil the rights and duties to each other, to share happiness and sorrows with each other, to take the relatives and family members, to regard the profit or loss of the other as ones on profit or loss.
Rights and duties
The groom is called upon to fulfil all his duties towards the bride and to make every effort in taking care of her general maintenance and well being. The bride on her part should of course leave no stone unturned in carrying out her services, and rights due to her husband.
Both should serve and assist one another in health or illness, difficulty or happiness and they should try by all means to give comfort and consolation to one another.
In this manner, before entering the bond of matrimony both parties are warned to be ever conscious of Almighty Allah – in fact the element of “God consciousness” is mentioned several times in the verses quoted.
Other dimensions
Allah Almighty declares in The Holy Qur’aan states, “And from amongst His signs is that He created for you mates from amongst yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.” (Ch 30:21).
Islam recognises the institution of marriage as a social and psychological necessity for every member of the community on the basis of the following reasons:
First, marriage regulates and controls sexual behaviour and procreation. Within marriage, sexual activity in Islam is regarded as normal and is encouraged between the married couple.
It is not a shameful act and should not be denied to members of either sex bound together in wedlock.
Restrictions to this approach may lead to personality maladjustments and could even endanger the mental health of individuals which would have an adverse effect on the structures of society.
Second, marriage nurtures close companionship of husband and wife, resulting in kindness, love, and consideration for each other – as is understood from the above verse of The Holy Qur’aan.
Moreover, it states the following in reference to the close relationship that exists between husband and wives, “They are your garments and you are their garments.” (Ch 2:187) It is also recorded from the sayings of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH): “A man will be rewarded for what he spends on his wife, even for putting a morsel of food in her mouth (feeding her).”
Third, the institution of marriage provides a stable atmosphere for the upbringing of children.
Love between husband and wife soon develops into a love of the offspring and eventually that love should then transcend to encompass all of Allah’s creation.
Both parents play differing, but invaluable, roles in the upbringing of children.
It is the right of every child to have a father and a mother. A single parent family is not regarded as complete because it lacks the valuable role of another parent in rearing the child.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department, PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare; Tel: 04-614078-614004, Fax: 04-614003; e-mail: [email protected]
Online Reporter