Rights And Duties Of Husbands And Wives Nikkah (Marriage) SS3 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

AN-NIKAH

Marriage is called An-nikah in Arabic. Marriage is encouraged in Islam. It has existed since the time of our earliest forefather Adam, when Allah created for him a mate, Hauwa, and they had children.

Allah says: (24:32) “Marry single from among you and such that are fit of your male and female slaves. If they are poor Allah will enrich them with His bounty, surely Allah is sufficient and All-knowing.

The prophet (P.B.U.H) said: There is no (monkhood) celibacy in Islam. The prophet also said: “Marriage is my Sunnah whoever Shuns it is not one of us”:

PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE

Allah refers to the purpose of marriage in verse of the Qur’an: “And among His signs is this, He has created mates for you from among yourselves so that you may find tranquillity with them and He has put love and tenderness between you. In this behold there are messages indeed for people who think.

This is a beautiful description of the Husband/Wife relationship. The marriage relationship is important because it fulfils a number of functions, among which are:

1. The sense of security
2. Sexual satisfaction
3. The foundation of family life
4. Security in old age

RULES GOVERNING MARRIAGE

Four conditions for the validity of marriage in Islam are these:

1. Mutual consent of the couple. proposal and acceptance (Ijab and Qabul in Arabic terms) any of the two can propose. The formula is ‘I marry you’ and ‘I accept’
2. Waliyy: marriage guardianship. Approval by the parent or guardian of the bride. The Qur’an 4:25 states ‘Marry them with the permission of their people’.
3. Mandatory Gift from the groom to the bride: it has no limit. It is called Mahr or Sadaq.
4. Witness/publicity witnesses to the marriage contract. Marriage must not be conducted in secret.

There must be at least two adult witnesses.

LESSONS

1. A person must make a good choice of a spouse.
2. A girl’s parents’ consent must be obtained before marriage.
3. A bride gift is mandatory.
4. Witnesses are necessary.
5. Moderation should be applied to the amount of Mahr to be paid.

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE

Allah says: “And men have rights over women as women have rights over men, and men are a degree above them”.

The husband is fully responsible for the feeding, clothing, housing, satisfying her sexual desire and general welfare of the wife (and children). He is also expected to protect them from any external danger and to ensure their proper Islamic education which will protect them from doing wrong out of ignorance, and mutual respect for her and her parents.

The wife should take good care of the husband’s property. Whenever he is away, making the home a comfortable and happy place for all the family. She should not allow into the house men of whom the husband does not approve. She should guard her chastity and keep a good reputation. She should also satisfy her husband (in sexual fulfilment), and respect him and his parents.