Islam - Marriage and Family

What is Nikah

A marriage contract between a man and a women , they must both give consent to become married.

Three features of Marriage

Nikah must be signed with consent

Men can marry up to 4 women at the same time

marriage allows couples to procreate

Why is Marriage important?

It is a religious duty

it allows procreation

it strengthens the ummah

Sexual relationships in islam

Pre-marital sex is forbidden

Adultery is forbidden as it breaks the Nikah

Muslim views accept homosexuality

Islam is a religion of tolerance

Allah will judge everyone based on their actions , not for humans to condemn

Homosexuality is widely acceptable in western societies.

Muslim views against homosexuality

Allah created humans to procreate , homosexual couples cannot procreate

Muslim scholars rejected homosexuality

Allah created men and women to be together therefore it is against Allah’s will

Types of families

Nuclear families - traditional family

Extended families - includes nuclear family and the couples parents aunts and uncles or cousins

Single parent families - one parent raising offspring

Same sex parents - Muslims oppose this family type

Why is Family important for Muslims

To ensure children have a good islamic upbringing

Allow you to honour and treat your parents with respect

Encouraged to have children after marriage

How can the Ummah support families

Counselling - resolve problems within the family

Youth groups - help children to have good role models and befriend one another and help them learn more about islam

Classes for parents - Help parents to raise their children as good Muslims

Muslim views For contraception

When pregnancy risks mother’s life

Helps with family planing so they can provide for their children better

Allowed if both parents agree

Muslim views Against Contraception

Children are seen as gift from Allah therefore we should accept it

Some methods such as abortions could be haram

They believe Allah will provide for their children therefore they should trust Allah and not avoid children

Types of Contraceptions

condoms

abortion

Secular views For Contraception

Family planning

Personal choice

Secular views Against Contraception

Side effects

Ethical debates

Steps to an Islamic divorce

1- attempts to reconcile

2- family elders or counsellor try to reconcile

3- If it doesnt work, husband files divorce (Taliq)

4- the three month waiting period(Iddat)

5- Custody of children is discussed

6-Finalised in front of 2 witnesses

What is Taliq

When huband files for divorce

What is Iddat

Three month waiting period

Muslim views For Divorce

Nikah is a legal contract which can be ended

The Quran explains the way to divorce, therefore it is acceptable

A couple should not be kept in an unhappy marriage as Allah is benevolent so wouldn’t want anyone to suffer

Muslim views Against Divorce

It splits up the family unit

weakens the Ummah

Prophet Muhammad suggests it should be avoided

Men and women should have the same roles(Equality)

Prophet Muhammad stated all people are equal

Men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah

Men and women are should have different roles

Men should protect women as women are physically weaker

Women should care for children as it is how women re biologically created

Men should provide for his family to follow the example of prophet Muhammad