A Marriage in a Wider Perspective

A Marriage in a Wider Perspective show that Abu Bakr remained one of the Prophet’s most trusted and dependable companions throughout his life. After the Prophet’s death, he also played a decisive role in preserving the stability of the early Muslim community. In the natural order of life, every person needs social support. According to the Quran, such support is formed chiefly through two kinds of relationships: ties of blood and ties created through marriage. These natural bonds give a person security and a recognized place within society. Even a prophet needs such support. It is part of the unchanging order of human life. A guiding verse of the Quran states: “It is He who created the human being from water and established for him relationships of blood and marriage. Your Lord is allpowerful.” (25:54) This verse draws attention to an important blessing of the Creator. Human relationships are formed mainly in two ways: through blood ties and through marriage. These natural bonds form the foundation of social life. Without them, society would lose much of its stability and order. They give individuals a sense of belonging and provide them with support and protection. The Quran refers to this social reality in the account of the Prophet Shu‘ayb. His people said: “Shu'ayb, we do not understand much of what you say. In fact, we see that you are powerless among us. Were it not for your clan, we would have stoned you, for you are not strong against us.” (11:91)