Islamic marriage is governed by the law. Religious law to be precise. In Islam, everythinhg that revolves around you will have religious implications and thisis no exception to marriage. The prophet of Islam gave his ‘sunnah’ to his followers to respect and value marriage. In other words, he recommended all singles to marry so that they can fulfill all that partains to marriage. In Islam, celibacy is not recommended. Allah commands all unmarried singles to marry. Marriage is therefore designed in a devine way and, it is a contract between the couple. For an Islamic marriage to be recognized, the following requirements need to be met accurately. First, there must be a proposal for marriage which is clear. This is mainly done by men. The other thing is that, there must be an acceptance of that proposal. A girl has the right to accept or decline marriage. Two witnesses who are competent are necessary. This will ensure that that couples fulfills all the requirements of marriage in Islam. Marriage is a communal affair and, should be widely publicized. This is to announce to everybody that there is a significant union taking place. The bridegroom must have a little gift for the bride. This shows joy and appreciation for their presence in his life. It is meant to make the girl feel special in the auspicious ocassion. This marriage gift is commonly known as dowry. It serves many purposes including showing the capability to fulfil his ecomnomic requiremments for his new family. Since Muslim girls are usually covered, the prophet allows the man to see the women he intends to marry. This is necessary to establish that connection. A man in Islam is allowed to have up to 4 wives. It is not an obligation but a provision. Since marriage and religion are so close together, girls have been prepared to serve the role of wife, through the holy teachings. However, a prospective husband should not be alone with a woman who is not her wife. A lot of emphasis is placed on this and, it is vital to know the fundamentals of an Islamic marriage if you want everything to go well. Marriage to the following people in Islam has been prohibited. A father’s wife, a mother, daughter, a niece, a nephew and others. This is meant to streghthen relationships and ensure there is respect for Allah and the people. In Islam, it is perfectly alright to marry women from other religons who are chaste. They include Jews and Christians. However, a muslim woman will not be allowed to marry a non Muslim man. When a Muslim man wants to marry more than one wife, there are many restrictions. They must be in a position to sustain a large family, the other wives must consent and other things. For this reason, many men in Islam choose to have one wife. Islamic marriage has been viewed to be simple and practical. The rational laws have ensured strong bonds in muslim marital relations throughout the ages.

Muslim marriage as in other faiths is a sacred institution. It is a moral contract binding between a Muslim man and a Muslim woman. Muslim marriages are performed according to the laws of the Islamic Shariah. Islamic marriages are generally arranged marriages by the parents. The proposal for marriage is made by the girl’s parents to the guy and once with the acceptance from both the sides the ceremony of engagement is made which is further followed by the marriage. The Islamic marriage is solemnized by a priest who takes the consent of both the bride and the groom for the marriage. The bride and the groom’s consent is followed by signing of the marriage proposal by the bride, the groom and the witnesses. The Koran or the holy book is placed between them and they are made to see each other through a mirror. The Islamic marriage ceremony is celebrated with the distribution of dates and sweets and with a grand feast. In an Islamic marriage premarital intimacy is strictly not permitted. According to the religion of Islam a Muslim marriage is the foundation upon which an Islamic society is built.
Muslim marriage is characterized by offering of the dowry by a Muslim man to his spouse. The main purpose is to safeguard the economic status of the Muslim women in case of any unto do incidents. The dowry or the mahr can be paid before or after the marriage and with the failure of the payment of dowry the Muslim marriage becomes invalidated. The Muslim marriages insist on the husband supporting his spouse financially and therefore it is the duty of the husband to support and protect his wife. The Muslim marriage rules also insist that the husband should make sure that both his wife and children have access to the religious Islamic materials.
One major difference between Islam and other religion is the practice of polygamy, the Muslim men are allowed to marry up to four wives as long as he can support and protect them. Muslim women however are not allowed to marry more than one man. The religion of Islam does not permit homosexuality. It allows the marriage of a Muslim man to a Jewish or a Christian woman. Though the Islamic law permit’s the marriage of Christian or a Jewish woman to a Muslim male it does not permit them to have the inheritance of their spouse unless it is conferred by the Muslim man on their Jewish or Christian spouses.
Islamic religion lays down strict marriage regulations as marriage and family are the building blocks of Islamic society. The moral contract between the husband and wife in Islam is bound by certain rules and regulations. Islam clearly defines the role of a husband in a family as well as that of a wife’s duty. It is the healthy family life which would form the basis of healthy off springs. This further would lead to the growth of a strong Islamic society. The ultimate aim being the growth of the religion with staunch followers of Islam and Muslim marriage is a really a formatted institution.