Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 14
~ 14 ~ excellent guideline to establish peace and harmony in the family and the society they live in. Purpose of Marriage The main purpose of marriage is procreation and protection of human race, to guard against evils and immoralities and to establish a loving and peaceful society. This is why the Holy Qur’ ā n addresses the married people as Mu ḥṣ an and Mu ḥṣ anah, those who are guarded and protected as if they are in a well-secured and protected castle. It means that when someone is married, he or she becomes protected from satanic inclinations. This is why, for piety and righteousness, marriage is a must. It gives maximum protection from the evil and satanic passions. Marriage ensures that physical needs be satiated under divine rules. If someone is unable to find a suitable life partner, he should observe fast. The Holy Prophet Mu ḥ ammad (peace and blessings of All ā h be upon him) says, “O young people, whoever among you is able to marry should marry, and whoever is not able to marry is recommended to fast as fasting diminishes sexual urges. ” (Bukh ā r ī , Book of Nik āḥ , Ḥ ad ī th 3) The Holy Qur’ ā n very beautifully states: “Your wives are a tilth for you; so approach your tilth when and how you like and send ahead some good for yourselves; and fear All ā h and know that you shall meet Him; and give good tidings to those who obey. ” (The Holy Qur’ ā n, 2:224)