Encouragement of Marriage and Having Children

Islam encourages that young Muslims get married and have children.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have said:

"O young people, whoever of you can afford it, let him get married. It helps restrain the eyes and preserve the private parts. But if he cannot afford it, let him fast, for it works as a preventative."

Rasulullah SAW also said:

"Marry fertile women; I will be showing off your large number on the Day of Resurrection."


Choosing the Right Spouse

These are the main characteristics that should be sought when choosing a spouse:

1. Deen
It is the first thing to look for according to the Prophet Muhammad SAW's instructions. This does not mean that we should just proceed with choosing any Muslim husband/wife; but the candidate who applies Islam throughout his/her daily life; thus not just a nominal Muslim.


2. Conduct
A woman or a man who has good manners is considered as a grace from Allah SWT.

The Prophet SAW is reported to have said:

"There is nothing more beneficial to a Believer next to the fear of Allah than a pious wife. When he commands her, she obeys him; and when he looks at her, she pleases him; and when he swears by Allah that she should do a thing, she would; and when he is away, she guards herself and his property." (Note that this hadith is comprehensive enough is a complete advice to the Muslim wife.)

This also applies to the husband with regard to good conduct and fear of Allah, this is so because the responsibility of raising children requires the efforts of both parents, and not just one of them. Since in Islam, man is the head of the family, it is his responsibility to choose a pious woman to be the mother of his children.

Allah states in the Qur'an:

"O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones." (Surah 66: Ayat 6)

And Allah SWT also says:

"And enjoin As-Solat (the prayer) on to your family, and be patient in offering them (i.e. the Solat - prayers)."

When Allah's Messenger SAW was asked by his Companions RA about the greatest sins, he (SAW) replied:

"(The greatest sins is that) You should associate an equal to Allah while He created you, that you kill your child out of fear that he would eat from your food, and that you commit adultery with your neighbour's wife." (Bukhari and Muslim)