Marriage in Islam is fundamentally regarded as a contract rather than a sacrament. Though the contract has religious overtones and is strictly guided by the Islamic laws. Islamic conjugal ethics highlight that marriage is not an act of mere pleasure, not primarily a source of gratification to his sentimental longings or romantic loves, but an act of duty, a matter of conjugal responsibility as well as a matter of moral obligation. That is why the Holy Qur’an of Almighty Allah and the tradition of the Prophet Mohammad (sm.) underscore the significance of marriage, presenting it as the legitimate avenue to protect individuals from immorality, depravity, evil deeds, wickedness and societal vices. Moreover, the institution of marriage in Islam transcends personal gratification, focusing instead on duty, moral obligation and conjugal responsibility. A valid Islamic marriage must be between opposite sexes, as same-sex relationships are unequivocally prohibited. The presence of witnesses is also crucial, serving to legitimize the marriage publicly, protect progeny’s rights, and provide legal evidence when necessary. The article explores these ethical foundations, analyzing the primary objectives of Muslim marriage, the essential conditions that validate a marital contract, the recognized forms and the lawful processes for dissolution. The study also addresses evolving contemporary issues impacting conjugal relations through an Islamic lens, such as the interpretation of marital rights, gender roles, and ethical dilemmas arising in modern societies. By exploring classical teachings along with contemporary challenges, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of conjugal ethics in Islam, offering insights into how the ethical and legal underpinnings of marriage continue to shape and guide Muslim family life today.
Sidra Hamid (Mon,) studied this question.