The Legal Status, Significance, and Benefits of Early Marriage in Islam: A Research Study in the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah

نکاح کی شرعی حیثیت، اہمیت اور تعجیل کے فوائد: قرآن و سنت کی روشنی میں ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

The Qur’an and Hadith attach great importance to modesty and chastity. Believers are repeatedly commanded and encouraged to uphold these virtues, while those who show negligence and carelessness in this regard are frequently condemned. This demonstrates that the very nature and spirit of Islam are founded upon purity of the outward and inward self, as well as intellectual and practical moral purity. Such purity is attained to the fullest extent through marriage. In Surah Al-Mu’minun, Allah Almighty says: “Those who guard their private parts.” Allah Almighty has described those who preserve their chastity as successful and has given them the glad tidings of inheriting Paradise and abiding therein forever. Similarly, in Surah An-Nur, Muslims are commanded to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. This conduct is presented as a means of purifying their hearts and souls, while the purification of the heart and mind is an important means of attaining closeness to Allah Almighty. In Surah Al-Furqan, while describing the qualities of His righteous servants, Allah Almighty says:“And they do not commit adultery.” The teachings of Islam also strongly emphasize making marriage easy and accessible, so that the lawful path becomes easier and adultery becomes difficult. In light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, this article presents a research-based study of the Sharī‘ah status and importance of marriage, as well as the benefits of hastening its solemnization.