SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM

being witnessed by God Almighty. With such an understanding we will know what is to be accepted in the society and what is to be strictly shunned. The following teachings of the Quran if followed ensure that either of the spouse will not fall into the evil ways which threaten their marriage. One will not misuse one’s freedom and feel a great sense of responsibility towards maintaining the sanctity of married life. Tell believing men to lower their gaze and remain chaste. That is purer for them. God is aware of what you do. Say to believing women that they should lower their gaze and remain chaste and not to reveal their adornments save what is normally apparent thereof, and they should fold their shawls over their bosoms. Believers, turn to God, every one of you, so that you may prosper. (24: 30-31) Live with them (women) in accordance with what is fair and kind, if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something which God might make a source of abundant good. (4: 19) Do not look at the good things which God has bestowed more abundantly on some of you than on others. Men shall be rewarded according to their deeds and women shall be rewarded according to their deeds. You should rather ask God for His bounty. God has knowledge of all things. (4: 32) Lord, grant us joy in our spouse and children and make us a model for the righteous. (25: 74) Bear in mind all that is recited in your homes of the revelations of God and of wisdom. God is all pervading and all aware. (33: 34) Let the man of means spend in accordance with his means; and let him whose resources are restricted, spend in accordance with what God has given him. God does not burden any person with more than He has given him. God will soon bring about ease after hardship. (65: 7) If you fear any breach between a man and his wife, appoint one arbiter from his family and one arbiter from her family. If they both want to set things right, God will bring about reconciliation between them: He is all knowing and all aware. (4: 35) Once a man and a woman are bound together in the bonds of matrimony, they are expected to do their utmost, till the day they die to honour and uphold what the Quran calls their firm contract, or pledge.