What Does The Quran Say About Marriage?

Have you ever thought about what the Quran really says about marriage? It’s not just about rules or obligations; it’s about understanding the deeper connection between two people. In the Quran, marriage is portrayed as a beautiful partnership built on love, respect, and support. 

But what does that look like in real life? How do these teachings shape the roles and responsibilities of both partners? 

If you’re curious about how the Quran’s wisdom, as found in Sabil Al-Quran, can offer a fresh perspective on marriage, read on to discover how its timeless lessons can make relationships stronger, more compassionate, and truly meaningful.

The Significance of Marriage in Islam

Marriage holds a central place in Islam, serving as both a religious obligation and a means of attaining companionship, emotional support, and spiritual growth. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the virtues of marriage, presenting it as a means to strengthen faith, maintain societal harmony, and ensure the well-being of individuals.

Allah says in the Quran:

وَأَنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْأَيَـٰمَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمَآئِكُمْ ۚ إِن يَكُونُوا۟ فُقَرَآءَ يُغْنِهِمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ
And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
Surah An-Nur (24:32)

This verse highlights the importance of marriage and encourages believers to facilitate it for those who are unmarried. It reassures that financial constraints should not serve as a hindrance, as Allah’s provision is vast and all-encompassing. The focus should be on righteousness and character, rather than material wealth, when considering a spouse.

Beautiful Quran Verses About Marriage

Marriage is a sacred bond in Islam, built on love, mercy, and mutual understanding. The Quran emphasizes the importance of marriage as a means of companionship, emotional fulfillment, and spiritual growth. It serves as a foundation for family life, providing a framework for stability, responsibility, and moral values. Through marriage, spouses find tranquility in one another and cultivate a relationship rooted in affection and kindness.

The Quran highlights the significance of marriage in multiple verses, addressing various aspects such as the divine wisdom behind creating spouses, the importance of justice in marital relationships, and the ethical considerations in choosing a partner. These verses provide guidance on building a successful and harmonious marital life, reminding believers of Allah’s wisdom and mercy in uniting hearts.

Below are some of the most profound Quranic verses about marriage, showcasing its beauty, purpose, and the divine blessings that come with it.

Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves spouses that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who reflect.”

Surah An-Nisa (4:3)

 وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا فِي الْيَتَامَىٰ فَانكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا

“And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].”

Surah An-Nisa (4:1)

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءَلُونَ بِهِ وَالْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:221)

وَلَا تَنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَدْعُو إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِ ۖ وَيُبَيِّنُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
“And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not marry polytheistic men [to your women] until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you. Those invite to the Fire, but Allah invites to Paradise and to forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes clear His verses to the people that perhaps they may remember.”

Surah An-Nisa (4:19)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَن تَرِثُوا النِّسَاءَ كَرْهًا ۖ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوا بِبَعْضِ مَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّا أَن يَأْتِينَ بِفَاحِشَةٍ مُّبَيِّنَةٍ ۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِن كَرِهْتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَيَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا
“O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.”

These verses collectively highlight the sanctity of marriage in Islam, emphasizing love, mercy, justice, and faith as the foundations of a strong marital bond. They remind believers that marriage is a divine blessing and responsibility, one that should be approached with sincerity, fairness, and trust in Allah’s guidance.

What Does The Quran Say About Marriage?

The Quran places great emphasis on marriage as a sacred bond and a means of love, companionship, and tranquility. Here are some key teachings about marriage in the Quran:

Faith and Compatibility: The Prohibition of Marrying Non-Muslims

Islam is a comprehensive way of life, extending beyond ritual worship to daily interactions, career choices, and family life. For this reason, the Quran advises Muslims to choose spouses who share their faith, ensuring harmony in religious practice and the upbringing of future generations. Allah states:

وَلَا تَنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكَـٰتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌۭ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍۢ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌۭ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍۢ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ۗ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۖ وَيُبَيِّنُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

“And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. A believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even if she pleases you. And do not marry polytheistic men until they believe. A believing slave man is better than a polytheist, even if he pleases you. They invite to the Fire, but Allah invites to Paradise and forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes His signs clear to the people so that they may remember.”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:221)

While some scholars argue that this verse only forbids marrying polytheists, others extend the ruling to all non-Muslims. This broader interpretation stems from concerns about religious conflicts in marriage, particularly regarding the upbringing of children. If one spouse rejects Islam, it increases the likelihood that their offspring may also turn away from the faith, potentially hindering the spread of Islamic teachings.

Preserving Chastity: Islam’s Stance on Pre-Marital Relations

Many world religions discourage sexual relations outside of marriage, but Islam uniquely attributes this restriction directly to divine command rather than societal norms. Unlike other faiths where prohibitions on pre-marital sex emerged due to historical conservatism, Islam’s stance is explicitly outlined in the Quran. In Surat An-Nur, the 24th Surah, Allah instructs:

وَلْيَسْتَعْفِفِ الَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ نِكَاحًا حَتَّىٰ يُغْنِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ ۗ وَالَّذِينَ يَبْتَغُونَ الْكِتَابَ مِمَّا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ فَكَاتِبُوهُمْ إِنْ عَلِمْتُمْ فِيهِمْ خَيْرًا ۖ وَآتُوهُم مِّن مَّالِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي آتَاكُمْ ۚ وَلَا تُكْرِهُوا فَتَيَاتِكُمْ عَلَى الْبِغَاءِ إِنْ أَرَدْنَ تَحَصُّنًا لِّتَبْتَغُوا عَرَضَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۚ وَمَن يُكْرِههُّنَّ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ مِن بَعْدِ إِكْرَاهِهِنَّ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ 

“And let those who do not find the means for marriage abstain until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And if any of those whom your right hands possess desire a contract [of emancipation], then write it for them if you know there is good in them, and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, seeking the fleeting gains of worldly life. And if someone compels them, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful [to them] after their compulsion.”
Surah An-Nur (24:33)

This verse acknowledges the challenges faced by those struggling to find a spouse and the natural desires that arise over time. The Quran recognizes these struggles but urges believers to maintain chastity, promising divine reward for those who exercise self-restraint.

Mutual Support: The Role of Spouses in Strengthening Each Other

Unlike some traditions that view marriage as a mere means of procreation, Islam regards marriage as a profound partnership based on love and mutual support. This concept is beautifully captured in the Quran:

أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ ٱلصِّيَامِ ٱلرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَآئِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌۭ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌۭ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ ۖ فَٱلْـَٔـٰنَ بَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَٱبْتَغُوا۟ مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ ٱلْخَيْطُ ٱلْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ ٱلْخَيْطِ ٱلْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ ٱلْفَجْرِ ۖ

It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you in forgiveness and pardoned you. So now, have relations with them and seek what Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night].

 Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187)

This analogy suggests that just as clothing provides warmth and protection, spouses should shield each other from hardships and flaws. A strong marital bond enables couples to uplift each other, fostering a harmonious relationship in both this life and the Hereafter. The Quran further emphasizes this sentiment:

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“And one of His signs is that He has created for you, spouses from amongst yourselves so that you might take comfort in them and He has placed between you, love and mercy. In this there is surely evidence (of the truth) for the people who carefully think.”
Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)

Even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ leaned on his wife Khadijah رضي الله عنها for emotional support, particularly after receiving his first revelation. His reliance on her serves as a powerful reminder that no one, regardless of their status, should hesitate to seek comfort in their spouse.

Divorce in Islam: A Last Resort, Not a Prohibition

Unlike some religions that strictly forbid divorce or, conversely, permit it without consequence, Islam adopts a balanced approach. While divorce is not encouraged, it is permitted under specific conditions. The Quran states:

لِّلَّذِينَ يُؤْلُونَ مِن نِّسَائِهِمْ تَرَبُّصُ أَرْبَعَةِ أَشْهُرٍ ۖ فَإِن فَاءُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“For those who swear not to have relations with their wives, there is a waiting period of four months. But if they return, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:226)

This verse mandates a four-month waiting period before finalizing a divorce, providing couples an opportunity for reflection and reconciliation. If, after this period, they still wish to separate, Allah judges their decision on an individual basis.

Further guidance is provided in another Quranic passage:

وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ شِقَاقَ بَيْنِهِمَا فَابْعَثُوا حَكَمًا مِّنْ أَهْلِهِ وَحَكَمًا مِّنْ أَهْلِهَا إِن يُرِيدَا إِصْلَاحًا يُوَفِّقِ اللَّهُ بَيْنَهُمَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا خَبِيرًا

“And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and All-Aware.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:35)

This verse highlights the importance of mediation in resolving marital disputes. By involving family members, couples have a greater chance of reaching an amicable solution, ensuring fairness for both parties.

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى التَّمِيمِيُّ، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّهُ طَلَّقَ امْرَأَتَهُ وَهْىَ حَائِضٌ فِي عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَأَلَ عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم”‏ مُرْهُ فَلْيُرَاجِعْهَا ثُمَّ لْيَتْرُكْهَا حَتَّى تَطْهُرَ ثُمَّ تَحِيضَ ثُمَّ تَطْهُرَ ثُمَّ إِنْ شَاءَ أَمْسَكَ بَعْدُ وَإِنْ شَاءَ طَلَّقَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَمَسَّ فَتِلْكَ الْعِدَّةُ الَّتِي أَمَرَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنْ يُطَلَّقَ لَهَا النِّسَاءُ‏

This hadith narrates the story of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) divorcing his wife while she was in her menstrual period during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about it, and the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed him to take her back, then leave her until she becomes pure, then she enters another menstrual cycle, and after she becomes pure again, he may either keep her or divorce her before touching her. The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that this is the waiting period (ʿiddah) that Allah has commanded for women to be divorced in.

This hadith demonstrates that Islam regulates divorce with strict guidelines, ensuring it is not taken lightly. The Quran and hadith collectively provide a framework that encourages reconciliation while acknowledging that, in some cases, separation is the best course of action.

Conclusion

Marriage in Islam is not merely a social contract; it is a sacred bond ordained by Allah. From maintaining chastity and choosing a compatible spouse to supporting one another and approaching divorce with caution, the Quran and hadith offer comprehensive guidance for building a successful marital life.

FAQ: What Does The Quran Say About Marriage?