ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Islamic marital practices

Islamic marital practices refer to the way Muslims get married and the rules and traditions they follow in their married life. It is just like how different families have their unique ways of doing things, Muslim families have their own ways of getting married and being in a marriage.

In Islamic beliefs, marriage is seen as a highly important and sacred institution. Muslims believe that getting married is not just about happiness, but it is also a religious duty. Muslims are encouraged to get married early and choose a partner who shares their values and beliefs.

The process of getting married begins by finding a suitable partner. In some cases, the parents or guardians of the hopeful couple will suggest candidates for them to consider as a potential spouse. In other cases, people will use online dating websites or other resources to find their match. However, proceeding with a relationship without the permission of parents or guardians is strongly prohibited in Islam.

Once the individuals have found someone whom they feel is a suitable companion, they will perform the nikah (marriage ceremony). The nikah is a formal agreement between the bride and the bridegroom and is conducted by an Islamic scholar or an imam. During the ceremony, the bride and the groom express their acceptance of the marriage and the terms and conditions they agreed to beforehand.

One of the most important conditions that the couple agrees on is the mahr, or the dowry. The mahr is a gift given from the groom to the bride and is meant to provide financial support for her. The dowry can be a piece of property, money, or practical goods that the couple decides on.

After the nikah, the married couple now follows the rules and terms set out in the Quran and Islamic teachings. Both husband and wife have rights and responsibilities towards each other. For example, the husband is expected to financially support the family, while the wife is expected to care for the house and children.

Divorce is allowed in Islam, but it is considered a last resort. Muslims believe that the marriage between two people is sacred and should be treated with great respect. If a couple has issues, they are encouraged to seek help from an imam or a counselor before proceeding with divorce.

In conclusion, Islamic marital practices involve finding a suitable partner, performing the nikah, agreeing on terms and conditions, and following the rules set out by Islamic laws. Muslims believe that marriage is sacred and should be treated with respect, and divorce should only be used as a last resort.