Author: M. Asem Ismail Zahi
The Importance and position of Marriage from the Perspective of Medicine (Part 7)
Individual and Social Effects of Marriage
1. Controlling Sexual Desires, Preserving Chastity, and Avoiding Sin and Corruption
One of the most powerful and fundamental human instincts is the sexual instinct. When this need remains unfulfilled or is inadequately satisfied, it causes emotional imbalance and personality instability.
Marriage and family formation are the most natural and healthy means for satisfying this instinct. It protects individuals from Satan’s temptations, lust, adultery, and deviation from moral integrity.
Allah the Almighty says in the Noble Verse: “هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ” “They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.” [1]
This beautiful metaphor describes the intimate and complementary relationship between spouses. Just as clothing covers and protects its wearer, husband and wife protect each other from sin and moral deviation through lawful fulfilment of their desires.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned against moral corruption caused by neglecting marriage, saying: “إذا خطب إليكم من ترضون دينه وخلقه فزوجوه إلا تفعلوا تكن فتنة في الأرض وفساد عريض” “When someone whose religion and character you are pleased with proposes marriage to you, then marry your daughters to him. If you do not, there will be tribulation and widespread corruption upon the earth.” [2]
2.Personal Growth and Development of Abilities
Marriage fosters creativity, responsibility, and the actualization of moral and human virtues in both spouses.
When a man feels responsible for protecting and providing for his family, it strengthens his spirit of courage and chivalry.
Likewise, motherhood allows women to achieve greater spiritual maturity through patience, sacrifice, and nurturing.
Through their family responsibilities, women are encouraged to strive harder, utilize their talents for managing the household effectively, and attain personal success. [3]
3. Continuation of the Human Race
One of the greatest outcomes of marriage is the continuation of human life. Allah the Almighty has made reproduction dependent on marriage, and perhaps the very purpose of creating sexual desire in human beings lies in this divine plan.
If Allah had willed, He could have created humans without such desire; however, procreation is essential to sustaining humanity and fulfilling the purpose of creation — the worship and service of the Creator.
Through marriage and having children, couples form generational continuity and contribute to the moral and spiritual advancement of society by raising righteous and God-conscious offspring who expand the spirit of servitude to Allah on earth.
The Holy Qur’an declares: “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالاً كَثِيراً وَنِسَاءً” Translation: “O mankind! Be conscious of your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created from it its mate, and spread from both many men and women.” [4]
And elsewhere, He says: “نِسَآؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُواْ حَرْثَكُمْ” “Your wives are your fields, so approach your fields (for cultivation) however you wish — in a lawful manner.” [5]
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “تزوجوا الودود الولود فإني مكاثر بكم الأمم يوم القيامة” Translation: “Marry loving and fertile women, for I will take pride in your great numbers before the other nations on the Day of Judgment.” [6]
Thus, marriage not only ensures the continuation of humanity but also strengthens the moral and spiritual foundations of future generations, creating righteous families that contribute to a pious and thriving society.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 187.
[2] Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Jami‘ Al-Sahih, Vol. 3, p. 394, Book of Marriage, Hadith No. 1084.
[3] Panahi, Ali Ahmad. Hamsardari (Spousal Life). Tehran: Daftar Nashr-e Ma‘arif, 2012, p. 32.
[4] Surah An-Nisa’, verse 1.
[5] Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 223.
[6] Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 3, p. 158, Hadith No. 12634.
