Threats to Marriage Institution in the Modern World: Islamic Panacea

Abstract

Marriage, a universally recognized union between a man and a woman, has been continually evolving, undergoing changes and redefinitions in the modern world. Towards the end of the 20^th century, other forms of unimaginable unions emerged and were consequently legalized thereby constituting threats to marriage. Issues like gay union, high cost of wedding feast, indiscriminate use of contraceptives by the unmarried, accessibility to free porn, sex video, sex dolls and sex games on the Internet/social media and a host of others are seen as threats and challenges to the institution of marriage. It seems that the legal union between man and woman is being re-interpreted and discouraged. Discussing the marriage institution from Islamic perspective, this paper, adopting analytical method, critically examines the threats against marriage and makes a concise attempt to identify ways of combating them. The paper, which also highlights divergent views of Muslim jurists on marriage, offers Islamic panacea to what constitutes threat to marriage; with a view to sustaining the institution through, the establishment of marriage counseling units, complimentary role of government, the Imams/missionaries, relatives and friends in offering financial and spiritual support for the unmarried and married couples. Realizing the distinguishing features between human beings and animals, the paper offers recommendations towards preserving the institution of marriage and as well discouraging all other forms of unions that are forbidden in Islam.