—for I will boast of your numbers before the nations on the Day of Resurrection.”

Marriage, then, brings about immense benefits:

• Among them is the preservation of the human race, the increase of the number of Muslims, and the vexation of the unbelievers through the birth of those who strive in Allah’s cause and defend His religion.

• Among them is the shielding of private parts—guarding and protecting them from unlawful pleasure that corrupts human societies.

• Among them is the husband’s charge to care for and provide for his wife. Allah, Exalted is He, says, “Men are caretakers of women because Allah has given one more strength than the other and because they spend of their wealth” (Q 4:34).

• Among them is the serenity and companionship that arise between husband and wife, bringing psychological comfort. Allah the Most High says, “And among His signs is that He created for you, from yourselves, spouses so that you may find tranquility in them” (Q 30:21); and He says, “It is He who created you from a single soul, then made from it its mate so that he might find comfort in her” (Q 7:189).

• Among them is that marriage shields human communities from falling into the immoral acts that destroy character and eradicate virtue.

• Among them is the safeguarding of lineage, the strengthening of kinship and family bonds, and the establishment of honorable households characterized by mercy, cohesion, and mutual support in the cause of truth.