Marriage is as old as humanity itself, and Islam elevates it from a mere social contract to a sacred act of worship that fulfills one of the deepest human needs. In Part 1 of this marriage series, Imam Shpendim from New Jersey explores the spiritual benefits and divine rewards of doing relationships the right way.
Marriage: A Sign From Allah
In the Quran, when Allah lists His miraculous signs, He places the creation of spouses and the love and mercy between them right alongside the creation of the heavens and the earth. This is not an afterthought; it is a declaration that marriage is one of the most significant realities in all of creation. The innate human need for companionship was placed within us from the very beginning, when Adam could not enjoy Paradise alone.
“From Allah’s miraculous signs is that He has created for you spouses like yourselves, and He has placed between the husband and wife love and mercy. Certainly in that is a sign for those who can think.”
The Benefits of Marriage in Islam
- Fulfills the natural human need for companionship, emotional connection, and the sharing of life’s journey
- Provides a halal outlet for expressing love, care, and kindness that nourishes both body and soul
- Creates the building blocks for family and community, raising the next generation upon righteousness
- Even intimate relations between spouses are rewarded as an act of worship when done with the right intention
Marriage as Old as Humanity
From the time of Adam (peace be upon him), companionship was essential to the human experience. Allah did not create Adam and leave him alone in Paradise; He created a partner for him. This tells us that the desire for a spouse is not a weakness but a divinely placed need that marriage is designed to fulfill in the most beautiful, purposeful way possible.
“Marriage is as old as man himself. When we look at the creation of man, it began with Adam, and he was not alone. Allah placed within us that need to have companionship, to share life with someone else.”
Obstacles That Hold People Back
- Some people sabotage their search by setting unrealistically perfect standards that no human being can meet
- Family interference, cultural conditions, and misplaced priorities can block marriages that would otherwise be beneficial
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) simplified the criteria: look for faith and good character above all else
- Part 2 of this series addresses the harms of avoiding marriage and pursuing relationships outside of it
