CONCEPT OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM

There are several passages and verses in The Holy Qur'an regarding marriage
and family that encourage Muslims to be married, if possible.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has even said that when a Muslim
marries, he has fulfilled half of the religious devotion and
duties and then he should take care of other half by being
God-minded and aware of his obligations. [1]

Marraige is considered a religious duty in Islam and is enjoined
upon all believers who can afford it. It provides a moral
safeguard and legal means to develop relationship with the
opposite sex and to extend the family. It is both solemn and
sacred above physical terms. It is not only a contract between
two persons committing themselves to eachother but it is a
contract to which God Almighty is made the first Witness. It is
made with every intention of making it permanent to the eternal
success. Celibacy is NOT recommended either for Muslim men or
women.

"The motivating cause of union - matrimonial and carnal -
between the spouses is said to be love. This is a Qur'anic
thesis that affirms the primacy of love as the cause of
marriage, not simple reproduction. Nevertheless, the religious
authorities, almost unanimously, interpret marriage as primarily
reproductive in nature and as a means of perpetuating the
species.