Good Deed #47- Marry

1. 24:32 (Y. Ali) Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among yourselves, male or female: if they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah encompasseth all, and he knoweth all things.
2. 4:4 (Y. Ali) And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.
3. 4:23 (Y. Ali) Prohibited to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, daughters, sisters; father’s sisters, other’s sisters; brother’s daughters, sister’s daughters; foster mothers (who gave you suck), foster sisters; your wives’ mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in, no prohibition if ye have not gone in; (those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
4. 25:54 (Y. Ali) It is He who has created man from water: then He has established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power (over all things).
5. Abdullah (b. Mas’ud) (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said to us, “O young men, those among you who can support a wife should marry, for it restrains eyes (from casting evil glances) and preserves one from immorality; but he who cannot afford it, should observe fast for it is a means of controlling the sexual desire.” (Muslim 8:8:3233)
6. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.” ( Bayhqi)
7. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A man marries a woman for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character). So marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper.” (Bukhari 7:62:27)
8. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Nikah (marriage) is my Sunna. He who shuns my Sunna is not of me.” (Muslim)

Action Plan
1. Nikah is a mutual contract between the couple. Both parties mutually agree and enter into this contract. Both bride and groom have the liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this contract.
2. Give the bride mehr/mahr. Mahr is a token commitment of the husband’s responsibility and may be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the bride herself. The amount of mahr is not legally specified, however, moderation according to the existing social norm is recommended. The mahr may be paid immediately to the bride at the time of marriage, or deferred to a later date, or a combination of both.
3. Perform the sermon- The assembly of nikah is addressed with a marriage sermon (khutba-tun-nikah) by the Muslim officiating the marriage. Preferably a qadi or the imam of the masjid, who keeps a record of the marriage. The sermon invites the bride and the groom, as well as the participating guests in the assembly to a life of piety, mutual love, kindness, and social responsibility.

4. Primary requirements:
1. Mutual agreement (Ijab-O-Qubul) by the bride and the groom
2. Two adult sane witnesses
3. Mahr (marriage gift) to be paid by the groom to the bride either immediately (muajjal) or deferred (muakhkhar) or a combination of both

5. Secondary Requirements:
1. Legal guardian (wakeel) representing the bride
2. Written marriage contract (Aqd-Nikah) signed by the bride and the groom and witnesses by two adult and sane witnesses
3. Qadi (state appointed Muslim judge) or Ma’zoon (a responsible person officiating the marriage ceremony)
4. Khutba-tun-Nikah to solemnize the marriage

6. Groom should have a walimah after consummation of marriage. After the consummation of the marriage, the groom holds a banquet called a walimah. The relatives, neighbors, and friends are invited in order to make them aware of the marriage. Both rich and poor of the family and community are invited to the marriage feasts.

Source: http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/10/12/good-deed-47-marry/

Also check out:
1. Good Deed #33- Accept Walimah invitations
2. Good Deed #34- Be intimate with your spouse