Islam_in_Focus_text

that there is no more natural relationship than that of blood,
and no more wholesome pattern of sexual intimacy than one
in which morality and gratification are joined.
Islam recognizes the religious virtue, the social necessi-
ty, and the moral advantages of marriage. The normal course
of behavior for the Muslim individual is to be family orient-
ed and to seek a family of his own. Marriage and the family
are central in the Islamic system. There are many passages
in the Qur'an and statements by the Prophet which go as far
as to say that when a Muslim marries, he has thereby per-
fected half his Religion; so let him be God-minded and care-
ful with the other half.
Muslim scholars have interpreted the Qur'an to mean
that marriage is a religious duty, a moral safeguard, and a
social commitment. As a religious duty, it must be fulfilled;
but like all other duties in Islam, it is enjoined only upon
those who are capable of meeting the responsibilities in-
volved.
L Meaning of Marriage
Whatever meanings people assign to marriage, Islam
views it as a strong bond (mithaqun ghaleez), a challenging
commitment in the fullest sense of the word. It is a commit-
ment to life itself, to society, and to the dignified, meaning-