Islam_in_Focus_text

them to be kind to one another, truly charitable toward one
another, and above all dutiful to God.
It is noteworthy that the Islamic provisions of marriage
apply to men and women equally. For example, if celibacy is
not recommended for men, it is equally so for women. This
is in recognition of the fact that women's needs are equally
legitimate and are seriously taken into consideration. In fact,
Islam regards marriage to be the normal, natural course for
women just as it is for men. It may even be more so for
women because it assures them, among other things, of rela-
tive economic security. This significant additional advantage
for women does not, however, characterize marriage as a
purely economic transaction. In fact, the least focal aspect of
marriage in Islam is the economic factor, no matter how
powerful this may be. The Prophet is reported to have said
that:
"A woman is ordinarily sought as wife for
her wealth, for her beauty, for the nobility
of her stock, or for her religious qualities;
but blessed and fortunate is he who choos-
es his mate for piety in preference to
everything else".
The Qur'an commands marriage to the spouseless and
the pious even though they may be poor and slaves on the
other hand. (24:32) whatever dowry (marriage gifts) a man
gives his prospective wife belongs to her; and whatever she