Adab Al-Nikah Imam Al Ghazali Translated by: Muhtar Holland

Book XII of Ihya ‘Ulum ad-Din: In the words of Imam Ghazālī, “Marriage comes to religion’s aid, striking devils with dismay”. How appropriate that one should study its occasions, preserve its sacred traditions and its etiquette, explain its aims and purposes, and detail the paragraphs and chapters of the subject. This is Book XII of ‘Ihyā Ulum al-Dīn (Revival of the Religious Sciences), translated by the eloquent Muhtar Holland.

Topics in this book include: benefits of marriage, challenges of marriage, selecting a spouse, rules of married life, relations between husband and wife, having children, preferred actions at childbirth, obligations of spouses to each other, and avoiding divorce. The subject of Marriage, discussed is surely of particular interest and importance to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. How appropriate that one should study its occasions, preserve its sacred traditions and its etiquette, explain its aims and purposes, and detail the paragraphs and chapters of the subject.

Table of Contents 

Author’s Introduction.
Chapter One
On the merits and disadvantages of marriage.

The favorable view of marriage, supported by:

• a) Qur’anic Verses [ayat] :
• b) Prophetic Traditions [akhbar] :
• c) Later Traditions [athar] :

Traditions unfavorable to marriage.

The benefits of marriage:

• a) The begetting of children.
• b) Immunity from Satan; relief from craving; protection against the perils of lust.
• c) Relaxation and recreation for the soul.
• d) Freedom from concern with running the household.
• e) Self-discipline and training through custodianship and guardianship.

The disadvantages of marriage.

• a) The difficulty of obtaining a lawful income.
• b) The difficulty of treating a wife properly.
• c) Worldly distractions.