The Wisdom of Marriage
The first thing about marriage is that it enables the human species to be perpetuated in a perfect way. The human species might be able to perpetuate itself simply by males mating indiscriminately with females as is the case with the mating of most animals. But by His mercy and blessing, when Allah desired to honour mankind and prefer them over many of those He created, He prescribed the tie of marriage for them to achieve the perpetuation of their species in a perfect way. Secondly, marriage protects a couple from falling into vice and takes the edge off the intensity of desire.
Boredom is part of human nature and people tend to be averse to the truth because it goes against their nature. If they persist in doing things which are contrary to their nature they become rebellious. But when they are allowed some moments of relaxation they become strong again. There is a kind of repose in the intimacy which exists between a man and his wife which leads to the removal of care and the relaxation of the heart. The souls of the god-fearing should be permitted this relaxation.
Fourthly, marriage frees a man from having to manage the affairs of the household chores and being responsible for the tasks, so that he can direct his energy to earning and providing. If a man was obliged to do all these household chores it would take up the greater part of his time, and he would not be free to do any other kind of work.
Fifthly, marriage involves striving with the self and disciplining it to oversee and attend to the best interests of people other than oneself and to attend the rights of one’s wife and children and to give them a good upbringing. All these are actions of great weight. A man’s responsibility for his household is one of overseeing and guardianship. The excellence of overseeing is immense.
