Introduction
Marriage in Islam is not merely a contract between two individuals; it is a sacred bond ordained by Allah ﷻ. It is a means of completing one’s faith, seeking tranquillity, and fulfilling natural desires in a halal manner. Unfortunately, today, marriages have become more about extravagance and cultural expectations than the true Islamic spirit of simplicity, mercy, and mutual understanding.
This article explores how the best marriages in Islam are those built on simplicity and righteousness, supported by authentic Hadiths, the Qur’an, and the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
1. Marriage is a Sunnah and a Blessing
Marriage is highly encouraged in Islam. It is a means of protecting faith and cultivating a family based on taqwa (God-consciousness).
🕋 Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.”
[Surah Ar-Rum 30:21]
This verse reminds us that marriage is a source of peace and love, not stress and financial burden.
🕌 The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Marriage is part of my Sunnah, and whoever does not follow my Sunnah has nothing to do with me. Get married, for I will boast of your great numbers before the nations on the Day of Judgement.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1846 – Sahih)
2. The Best Marriage is the Simplest
One of the greatest misconceptions today is that a lavish wedding equates to a successful marriage. The Prophet ﷺ warned against such extravagance and praised simplicity.
📿 A’ishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
“The most blessed Nikah is the one with the least expenses.”
(Musnad Ahmad – Sahih)
The Prophet ﷺ’s own marriage to his noble wives was simple, without unnecessary celebrations or lavish dowries.
Example: The Marriage of Fatimah (RA) and Ali (RA)
When Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, married Ali (RA), her dowry was very small, and their wedding was simple. She was given a modest bed, a water-skin, and a few household items. Yet their home was filled with barakah, love, and mutual respect.
3. What Truly Matters in a Marriage
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized religion and character over wealth and beauty:
“A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So choose the religious one, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e., may you prosper).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5090, Sahih Muslim 1466)
This applies to both men and women. A righteous spouse is more valuable than any material possession, for they are a means to help you reach Jannah.
4. Dowry (Mahr): A Right, Not a Burden
Mahr (dowry) is a gift, not a price tag. It should be reasonable and within one’s means.
📿 The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of dowry is the simplest.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2106 – Hasan)
In the Prophet’s time, some men gave as little as a ring of iron, or even taught their wife a portion of the Qur’an as a mahr.
Extravagant mahrs discourage marriage and go against the simplicity taught in Islam.
5. Mercy, Forgiveness and Cooperation After Marriage
Marriage is not always smooth. Disagreements and tests will come. The key is in how couples deal with them—with patience, mercy, and forgiveness.
📖 Allah says:
“…And live with them in kindness…”
[Surah An-Nisa 4:19]
🕌 The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3895 – Sahih)
Mutual respect, communication, and emotional support are the foundations of a successful Islamic marriage.
6. Marriage is Half of One’s Faith
🕌 The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When a person marries, they have fulfilled half of their religion. So let them fear Allah in the remaining half.”
(Bayhaqi – Hasan)
Marriage gives a person a partner to help in religious duties, raising righteous children, and guarding chastity.
7. Cultural Practices vs. Islamic Principles
Islamic marriages are often overshadowed by:
- Excessive wedding costs
- Show-off events
- Un-Islamic customs (mixing, music, waste)
- Debt-ridden families due to dowries and ceremonies
These are not from Islam. They are obstacles to marriage and cause hardship.
🕌 The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Verily, those who go to extremes are ruined.”
(Sahih Muslim 2670)
Let us return to the Sunnah, where simplicity was celebrated and taqwa was prioritized.
Conclusion: Let’s Revive the Sunnah of Simple Marriages
Simplicity in marriage brings blessings, ease, and happiness. The best marriage is not one filled with gold, lavish halls, and social pressure, but one filled with Allah’s blessings, love, and piety.
✅ Key Lessons:
- Marry for deen, not wealth or looks.
- Keep the wedding simple.
- Give a reasonable mahr.
- Be kind, patient, and forgiving in your relationship.
- Avoid cultural practices that contradict Islam.
- Support each other in deen and dunya.
May Allah grant us righteous spouses, bless all marriages, and make our homes gardens of peace and piety. Ameen.
