Advantage of Marriage

Celibacy and Monasticism is Forbidden

Islamic is totally opposed to monasticism and celibacy. ‘Uthman bin Maz’un was a close companion of the Prophet (S). One day his wife came to the Prophet (S) and complained,

 “O Messenger of God (S)! ‘Uthman fasts during the day and stands for prayers during the night.”

In other words, she meant to say that her husband was avoiding sexual relations during the night as well as the day. The Prophet (S) was angered. He did not even wait to put on his slippers. He went to ‘Uthman’s house and found him praying. When ‘Uthman finished his prayers and turned towards the Prophet (S), he said,

 “O ‘Uthman! Allah did not send me for monasticism, rather He sent me with a simple and straight [Shariah]. I fast, pray and also have intimate relations with my wife. So whosoever likes my tradition, then he should follow it; and marriage is one of my traditions.”

Beneficial Effects of a Married Life

Various studies prove that married people remain healthier, physically and mentally. Islam has always maintained that marriage is beneficial for us in many ways. Islam also regards marriage as a way to acquire spiritual perfection.

The Prophet (S) said,

“One who marries, has already guarded half of his religion, therefore he should fear Allah for the other half.”

How true! A person who fulfills his sexual urges lawfully would rarely be distracted in spiritual pursuits.

Marriage Enhances the Value of Prayers

The Prophet (S) said,

 

“Two rak‘ats (cycles) prayed by a married person are better than the night-vigil and the fast of a single person.”
 

A woman came to the Prophet (S) and said that she had tried everything to attract her husband but in vain; he does not leave his meditation to pay any attention to her.
The Prophet (S) told her to inform her husband about the reward of sexual intercourse which he described as follows:

“When a man approaches his wife, he is guarded by two angels and [at that moment in Allah’s views] he is like a warrior fighting for the cause of Allah. When he has intercourse with her, his sins fall like the leaves of the tree [in fall season]. When he performs the major ablution, he is cleansed from sins.”

Marriage increases Sustenance

The Holy Prophet (S) remarked,

“Give spouses to your single ones, because Allah makes their morality better (improves it) (under the shadow of marriage) and expands their sustenance and increases their generosity (human values).”