Sanctity of Marriage in Islam

desired. Therefore, in Islam, marriage is a social contract entered into by mutual consent of the bride and groom and a sacred bond to which great religious and social importance is attached. As an institution, it is a cohesive force in society and worth protecting and preserving. To that end, detailed injunctions have been prescribed to maintain its stability and promote its betterment. The state of marriage lays the foundations for family life and provides a training ground for individuals to contribute to society positively. When a man and woman prove to be a good husband and wife, they will be good citizens in the broad spectrum of their social group. This has been aptly expressed in a Hadith: “The best of you is one who is best for his family.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3895) After presenting the Islamic view about marriage, let us now understand the principles that should govern one’s married life as derived from the Quran and the life of the Prophet. We are living in a world created by God Almighty. He has made this world and sustains it according to