Chapters Concerning Marriage and Its Related Rulings
- Allah the Exalted says:
“If you fear that you will not act justly toward the orphan girls, then marry whichever women are lawful for you—two, three, or four. But if you fear that you will not be fair, then marry only one, or those whom your right hands possess. That is more likely to prevent you from falling into injustice. Give the women their bridal gifts graciously; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit to you any part of it, then consume it with satisfaction and ease.” (Qur’an 4:3–4)
When the Creator graciously granted His servants marriage by decree, permitted it by law, indeed loved, approved, and encouraged it because of the many benefits that result from it, He assigned to it numerous rulings and a variety of rights. All of these revolve around rectitude: setting aright the condition of the spouses and warding off harm and corruption. They belong to the beauties of the Sharia, and the Sharia, in its entirety, is beauty—drawing benefits and repelling harms.
• Allah the Almighty says: “If you fear that you will not act justly…”—meaning, should you worry that you will not fulfill the rights of the orphan girls under your guardianship because you do not incline toward them—then turn instead to others: “Marry whichever women are lawful for you.” In other words, you should select from them those who are wholesome in themselves, whose company will make life pleasant: women who combine sound religion, honorable lineage, sound intellect, good manners, and other qualities that invite a man to marry them.
• This verse, therefore, encourages careful selection before the engagement. One ought not to marry anyone except a woman who brings together the qualities sought in marriage, for marriage is intended for many purposes.
• Foremost among those purposes: the suitability of the household and family, sound management, and good upbringing. The most important traits here are piety and sound reason.