What does the Quran say about marriage?
The Quran describes marriage as a sign of Allah's mercy, built on tranquility, love and compassion between husband and wife. It gives both spouses rights, asks them to treat each other kindly, requires a gift (mahr) to the bride, and gives fair rules for when a marriage doesn't work out.
Marriage as a sign of Allah
The most quoted marriage verse in the Quran places marriage among the signs of Allah, alongside creation itself. The purpose it names is not status or duty alone, but peace of heart.
Elsewhere, spouses are described as "clothing" for one another (Quran 2:187): they protect, comfort, cover each other's faults and stay close.
Rights and kindness
- Live together kindly. "And live with them in kindness" (Quran 4:19), even when you dislike something about your spouse.
- Mutual rights. Wives have rights similar to the duties they owe, in a fair way (Quran 2:228).
- The mahr. The husband gives the bride a gift that belongs to her alone (Quran 4:4).
- Provision. The husband is responsible for supporting the family (Quran 4:34). How that verse's other parts are understood is discussed by scholars at length; ask a trusted teacher.
- Consultation. Even decisions like weaning a baby are made "by mutual consent and consultation" (Quran 2:233).
Who can marry whom
The Quran lists the close relatives you can't marry (Quran 4:23). A Muslim man may marry a chaste Christian or Jewish woman (Quran 5:5), while a Muslim woman marries a Muslim man, according to the great majority of scholars. Converts who were already married when they accepted Islam have specific rulings. See Can I stay married to my Christian wife after becoming Muslim?
The Quran allows a man up to four wives on the strict condition of justice, and adds that if he fears he can't be fair, then only one (Quran 4:3). Many scholars note that most marriages should be monogamous. See Do I have to accept polygamy as a Muslim woman?
When things go wrong
The Quran encourages reconciliation first, even suggesting an arbiter from each family (Quran 4:35). If the marriage can't continue, divorce is allowed, but it must happen with dignity: "either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment" (Quran 2:229). In the West you'll also need to think about the legal side. See Do I need a civil marriage as well as a nikah?
- Marriage is a sign of Allah, meant for tranquility, love and mercy.
- Spouses are "clothing" for each other and must live together kindly.
- The bride receives a mahr; both spouses have rights and duties.
- Divorce is allowed, but only with fairness and good treatment.
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