FAMILY LIFE IN ISLAM

Family life is the basis of the Islamic society. Its origin goes back to the beginning of the creation of man and woman - Adam and Eve. So, it is an institution founded by Allah's will.

Allah says in the Qu'ran : "O mankind, be mindful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from the two created many men and women." (4:1)

Marriage is the basis of the Islamic family. A good and sound society can only grow if a man and a woman are bound in a solid relationship through the sacred contract of marriage.

Marriage develops love and care and co - operation between the husband and wife. It gives peace of mind and provides a secure atmosphere for the growth and progress of the whole human race. Without marriage, the human race would come to a standstill. Marriage was the practice of most of the prophets including Muhammad (SAW).

Marriage

Marriage is sacred social contract between a bridegroom and a bride. A great deal of thought is necessary therefore before the couple decide to marry.

Piety should come before all other considerations. Allah's Prophet said, "Do not marry only for the sake of beauty ; may be the beauty becomes the cause of moral decline. Do not marry even for the sake of wealth; may be the wealth becomes the reason of disobedience; marry rather on the ground of religious devotion."

A Muslim is expected to marry a Muslim although in some cases Jewish and Christian chaste women can be married. But a Muslim woman is not allowed to marry a non-Muslim man. In Islam, marriage is a religious and social institution and not simply a sexual relationship. Muslim marriages are traditionally arranged by parents but the final say lies with the boy and girl.

Islam does not allow free mixing of grown up boys and girls, nor does it allow sex outside marriage. The Islamic way of life does not approve of the boyfriend/girlfriend system, or mixed parties of the grown-ups and the like.Islamic society is based on submission and obedience to the will of Allah. Husband and wife, bound by marriage are Allah's servants and representatives (Khalifah). Marriage must not conflict with the purpose of life (seeking Allah's pleasure), but rather should lead towards its achievement.

Divorce is allowed but is regarded as the least desirable of all lawful acts. Islam encourages adjustment and happiness. But when living together is impossible, the Islamic law does not stand in the way of divorce.