Marriage is one of the most beautiful and important institutions in Islam. Allah and His Prophet Muhammad SAW encouraged marriage as it abstains youngsters from committing adultery, which is a major sin in Islam with grave consequences.

Sadly, various cultures of Muslims belonging from different countries have made it impossible for two people to marry early; with useless traditions, lavish wedding trends, and dowry demands, it has become hard for financially struggling men and women to settle down at the time when their youth is at its peak.

However, Islam promotes simplicity and has made a believer’s life easier, only if they actually follow the Islamic principles defined, properly. Unfortunately, the Ummah has mixed unnecessary man-made marriage traditions with Islam making their own lives hard. Nikah, in its essence, should be carried out with utmost simplicity with no lavish displays of wealth. But, Muslims have made marriages a competition that even lands the parents in debt.

Here are a few important pointers related to marriage according to Islam!

In case someone had these questions in their mind and was wondering what the rulings are in Islam, then this is the post for them.

Firstly, Sunnah Regarding Proposing Marriage.

If a man has made his mind to marry someone, he can independently approach her guardian(s) or visit her home with one of his family members or relatives. He can also send someone else on his behalf, like his family to propose marriage. The matter is of broad-spectrum and several factors need to be considered. Keeping the integrity of Islamic principles in check, there are certain customs that need to be followed. For example, in some, it is not considered proper for a man to go alone with a marriage proposal.

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1087), al-Nasaa’i (3235) and Ibn Maajah (1865) from al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah (may Allaah be pleased with him), who proposed to a woman and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Go and look at her, for that is more likely to create love between you,” i.e., more likely to establish lasting love between you. This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

Secondly, the things that follow after the acceptance of the proposal.

Once the marriage proposal is accepted, then comes the process of deciding on a mahr, wedding date, expenses, so on and so forth. Depending on the customs, some chose to do proposal and marriage contract in one go, some wait for a certain time period after the engagement, and some even delay the consummation after marriage; all of these are permissible.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did the marriage contract with ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) when she was six years old, then he consummated the marriage with her when she was nine. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5158).

Also read: Rights Of Wives According To The Holy Quran And Hadiths Every Should Know About!

Thirdly, ruling on reciting Surah Fatiha during engagement or during nikah.

Reciting Surah al-Faatihah during engagement or marriage contract is considered an innovation or Bid’ah. Narrated by Abu Dawood (2118) and classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

The Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas was asked (19/146): Is reciting al-Faatihah when a man gets engaged to a woman an innovation (bid’ah)? 

They replied: Reciting al-Faatihah when a man gets engaged to a woman or when the marriage contract is done is an innovation (bid’ah). 

Rather, the actual Sunnah is to recite Khutbat al-Haajah. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us Khutbat al-Haajah, (to be said) at weddings and on other occasions.

Fourthly, regarding special clothing on the day of marriage and other festivities, including a ring for the bride.

There is no ruling on wearing any special clothing but if one can afford then wear new clothes otherwise there is no need for that extra hassle. The real attention to be paid is on the matters that need to be according to the Shariah. As far as the wedding rings are concerned, it is not permissible for the men or the women to wear wedding bands, as it resembles the kaffar.

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