Nikkah, also known as Islamic marriage, is a sacred and solemn contract between a man and a woman, conducted according to the teachings of Islam. It is a fundamental institution in Islam, governed by specific guidelines and principles outlined in the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islamic marriage (Nikkah) is regarded as a sacred and divine union that is based on mutual love, respect, and commitment, guided by the teachings of Islam. It is considered one of the most important institutions in Islam, as it serves as the foundation for family life and the preservation of society.
Marriage holds significant importance in Islam, and there are numerous benefits associated with it, both spiritual and worldly. Here are some of the key benefits of marriage in Islam:
1. Fulfillment of Half of Faith: It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When a person marries, he has fulfilled half of his religious obligations." Marriage is seen as a means to fulfill one's religious duties and attain spiritual growth.
2. Protection from Sin: Marriage is viewed as a safeguard against illicit relationships, promiscuity, and immoral behavior. By fulfilling the natural human desire for companionship and intimacy within the bounds of marriage, individuals can protect themselves from temptation and sin, thereby upholding the principles of chastity and modesty in Islam.
3. Companionship and Support: Marriage provides companionship and emotional support, as spouses are encouraged to love, care for, and support each other in all aspects of life. They share joys, sorrows, and responsibilities, creating a bond of love and understanding.
4. Preservation of Chastity: Marriage provides a lawful outlet for fulfilling one's physical and emotional needs while preserving chastity and guarding against illicit relationships.
5. Procreation and Family Building: Marriage allows for the continuation of the human race through procreation. It provides a stable environment for raising children and instilling moral values and religious teachings.
6. Social Cohesion and Stability: Marriage strengthens family bonds and promotes social cohesion by bringing together families and communities. It fosters mutual cooperation, solidarity, and unity among individuals and society as a whole.
7. Mutual Assistance and Complementarity: Spouses complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, working together as partners to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. They provide mutual assistance and support in various aspects of life, including financial, emotional, and spiritual.
8. Legal and Financial Rights: Marriage grants legal and financial rights to spouses, such as inheritance, guardianship, and mutual financial support. It establishes rights and responsibilities that protect the interests of both partners and their families.
9. Spiritual Growth and Development: Marriage provides opportunities for spiritual growth and development through shared worship, mutual encouragement in righteousness, and striving towards pleasing Allah together.
There are immense benefits of marriage which include enjoying love, mercy and security love and mercy are important sentiments that brighten one's life and give him a feeling of reassurance, security, and happiness. One of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) great favors is the love and mercy that He instills among the married couple. They dwell into each other, just as one dwells into a house that gives him protection, security, and happiness. Allah (عزوجل) says:
وَمِنۡ اٰيٰتِهٖۤ اَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُمۡ مِّنۡ اَنۡفُسِكُمۡ اَزۡوَاجًا لِّتَسۡكُنُوۡۤا اِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَكُمۡ مَّوَدَّةً وَّرَحۡمَةً ؕ اِنَّ فِىۡ ذٰ لِكَ لَاٰيٰتٍ لِّقَوۡمٍ يَّتَفَكَّرُوۡنَ
And among His signs is that He created for you, from yourselves, spouses that you may dwell (in joy and security) unto them, and He set between you love and mercy; surely in that are signs for those who reflect. [Ar-Rum 30:21]
Furthermore, there is a wonderful feel of closeness between the married couple similar to the closeness of a garment to a person's body. They provide for each other protection, comfort, and cover. Allah (عزوجل) says:
هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّـكُمۡ وَاَنۡـتُمۡ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ
They are a garment for you and you are a garment to them. [Al-Baqarah 2:187]
In conclusion, marriage in Islam is seen as a means of attaining spiritual fulfillment, personal growth, and societal well-being through the establishment of stable, loving, and righteous families. It is encouraged as a fundamental component of a fulfilling and balanced life in accordance with Islamic teachings and values.
All praise is due to Allah we ask Him to bless the Prophet Sallah Llah Alei Wasalam and let us die on the path of Qur'an and Sunnah.