Zariyaa Matrimony - Find Your Perfect Match

The Sunnah of marriage in Islam encompasses various aspects that align with the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), serving as a comprehensive guide for establishing a harmonious, loving, and spiritually fulfilling marital relationship.

Choosing the Right Partner

Before entering into marriage, Islam emphasizes the importance of selecting a spouse based on their piety, good character, and compatibility rather than superficial qualities such as wealth, beauty, or social status. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised:
"A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. So marry the religious woman, or you may be ruined." (Bukhari, Muslim).Both men and women are encouraged to seek a partner who upholds Islamic values and will contribute to a righteous and harmonious household. Seeking guidance through Istikhara (prayer for direction) is highly recommended to ensure that the decision aligns with Allah’s will. Additionally, Islam emphasizes the role of the wali (guardian) in the marriage process, particularly for women, to safeguard their interests and ensure their well-being.

The Nikah Ceremony: Simplicity & Barakah

Islam encourages a simple and modest Nikah ceremony, avoiding extravagance and unnecessary expenses. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"The best marriage is that which is easiest (least burdensome in expenses)." (Ibn Hibban)

The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Announce this marriage and perform it in the masjid, and beat the daff (tambourine) for it.”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

The practice of dua for married couples is rooted in the Sunnah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself prayed for his wives and encouraged his followers to do the same. It is reported that the Prophet used to say the following dua for his family which translates to:

“May Allah bless you, and shower His blessings upon you, and join you together in goodness.”

The mahr (dower) is an essential component of the marriage contract, serving as a token of the husband’s responsibility and commitment toward his wife. It should be given with goodwill and should not become a burden. The marriage sermon (khutbah al-nikah) is also encouraged, reminding both partners of their rights and responsibilities in maintaining a righteous and fulfilling relationship. Furthermore, the presence of witnesses is a fundamental requirement for the validity of the Nikah, ensuring that the marriage is publicly recognized and conducted in accordance with Islamic law.

Starting the Marital Journey with Blessings

After the Nikah, Islam encourages newlyweds to begin their life together with blessings and gratitude. It is Sunnah for the husband to place his hand on his wife's forehead and recite the following du'a which translates to:

"O Allah, I ask You for her goodness and the goodness upon which she was created, and I seek refuge with You from her evil and the evil upon which she was created." (Abu Dawood)

Performing two units of prayer (rak’ahs) together is also a Sunnah practice, symbolizing a shared commitment to a marriage centered around faith.

Practicing the Sunnah in Daily Married Life:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the perfect example of an ideal husband, demonstrating love, kindness, and patience toward his wives. He emphasized the importance of treating one's spouse with respect and care, stating:
"The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best to my wives." (Tirmidhi)

Some daily Sunnahs that strengthen the marital bond include:

Expressing love and appreciation – The Prophet (ﷺ) openly expressed love for his wives and encouraged affectionate gestures, such as kind words, compliments, and acts of service.
Sharing meals together – Eating from the same plate and feeding one another increases affection and fosters a sense of togetherness.
Maintaining patience and understanding – Every marriage faces challenges, but handling disagreements with wisdom and calmness is essential. The Prophet (ﷺ) never resorted to harshness or abuse and always encouraged reconciliation.
Helping with household chores – The Prophet (ﷺ) assisted his wives with household tasks, setting an example of partnership and cooperation. Aisha (RA) reported that he would mend his own clothes, milk goats, and serve himself when needed (Bukhari).
Maintaining good hygiene and appearance – The Prophet (ﷺ) paid special attention to cleanliness and encouraged both spouses to take care of their physical appearance for each other.