In the Quran, marriage is a sacred covenant, a mithaq ghalith (a solemn pact), and a profound sign of Allah’s mercy and wisdom. 

The Qur’an presents marriage as a source of sakan—tranquility—and mutual compassion. Through its verses, it guides us in establishing homes filled with love, mercy, and a profound sense of responsibility.

Let us embark on a journey together, exploring Quranic verses on marriage in Arabic and in English.

1. A Quranic Verse on Tranquility and Affection in Marriage

One of the most frequently quoted and deeply moving verses about the essence of marriage is found in Surah Ar-Rum, which encapsulates the divine purpose behind this sacred union.

Here, Allah SWT reminds us that the foundation of marriage is to find sakan—a profound tranquility and comfort with one another.

“وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ”

Wa min āyātihi an khalaqa lakum min anfusikum azwājan litaskunū ilayhā wa jaʿala baynakum mawaddatan wa raḥmah. Inna fī dhālika la-āyātin liqawmin yatafakkarūn.

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Surah Ar-Rum 30:21)

Litaskunū ilayhā – “that you may find tranquillity in them.” The Arabic word sakan is so much deeper than just ‘to live’ or ‘to dwell’. It implies peace, serenity, comfort, and a place of rest from the storms of life. Your spouse is meant to be your sakan. 

Then, Allah says He “placed” – ja’ala – between you mawaddah and rahmah. Mawaddah is an intense, expressed love and affection. It’s a love that is demonstrative. And rahmah is mercy, compassion, and tenderness. 

Some scholars beautifully explain that mawaddah is often stronger in youth, while rahmah becomes more prominent as couples age together, supporting each other through thick and thin. 

These are not just emotions; they are divinely instilled blessings and profound “signs” (āyāt) for those who contemplate. 

Understanding these linguistic subtleties truly unveils the Quran’s depth. For those embarking on this beautiful journey of discovery, resources like Quranica’s Learn Arabic Online Course and  Quranic Arabic program can lay a strong foundation, allowing the original words of Allah to touch your heart directly.

2. A Quranic Verse on the Sanctity of the Marriage Bond

The Quran doesn’t just speak of love, mercy, and responsibility in marriage; it also emphasizes the profound solemnity of the marital contract itself. This isn’t a casual agreement; it’s a weighty commitment.

Notice how Allah SWT describes the marriage pact in Surah An-Nisa when discussing the relationship between spouses:

“وَكَيْفَ تَأْخُذُونَهُ وَقَدْ أَفْضَىٰ بَعْضُكُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَأَخَذْنَ مِنكُم مِّيثَاقًا غَلِيظًا”

Wa kayfa taʾkhudhūnahu wa qad afḍā baʿḍukum ilā baʿḍin wa akhadhna minkum mīthāqan ghalīẓā.

“And how could you take it while you have gone in unto each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?” (Surah An-Nisa 4:21)

The term used here is mīthāqan ghalīẓā – “a solemn, strong, weighty covenant.” The word mīthāq itself implies a binding agreement, a charter.

But the adjective ghalīẓ (from the root meaning thick, firm, strong, severe) elevates this far beyond any ordinary contract. It underscores the seriousness, the sanctity, and the enduring nature of the marital bond in the sight of Allah. 

It is a pledge made before Allah, a testament to the commitment spouses make to one another. 

3. A Quranic verse on Kindness in Marriage

The Quran doesn’t just speak of love and mercy in marriage; it also provides practical guidance on how to conduct the marital relationship with grace and fairness, especially in challenging times.

This verse from Surah An-Nisa is a cornerstone for understanding the expected conduct, particularly from the husband towards his wife.

“وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِن كَرِهْتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَيَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا”

Wa ʿāshirūhunna bil-maʿrūf. Fa-in karihtumūhunna faʿasā an takrahū shayʾan wa yajʿala Allāhu fīhi khayran kathīrā.

“And live with them honourably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:19)

The instruction here is ʿāshirūhunna bil-maʿrūf. The term al-maʿrūf is incredibly comprehensive. It means to live with them in kindness, equity, fairness, and in a way that is recognized as good and proper by the Shari’ah and sound societal customs. It encompasses not just the provision of rights but also gentle speech, patience, and overlooking minor faults. 

The second part of the verse is a powerful reminder: if you find something you dislike in your spouse, be patient! Perhaps in that very thing you dislike, Allah has placed khayran kathīrā – abundant good. 

If you’re seeking to perfect your recitation and connect more deeply with the Quran’s message, Quranica offers structured ‘Learn Quran with Tajweed‘ classes, from beginner to advanced levels, and even specialized ‘Tajweed Classes for Sisters‘ to cater to everyone’s needs.

4. A Quranic Quote on Mutual Respect and Responsibility in Marriage

Islam is a religion of balance and justice. This is beautifully reflected in the Quranic teachings on the mutual rights and responsibilities within marriage.

This verse from Surah Al-Baqarah clearly outlines the principle of reciprocity in marital duties and rights.

“وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ”

Wa lahunna mithlu alladhī ʿalayhinna bil-maʿrūf.

“And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:228)

The phrase “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness” – establishes that just as women have responsibilities towards their husbands, they also have corresponding rights that must be fulfilled by their husbands, all within the bounds of al-maʿrūf (what is just and good). 

Quranica’s ‘Online Quran Tafseer Course’ can be an invaluable companion in exploring these depths. 

And for those who wish to commit these precious words to heart, our ‘Quran Memorization and Hifz‘ programs offer dedicated support for adults and children alike, helping you preserve these divine instructions within your soul.

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5. A Quranic Quote on Spousal Intimacy and Protection in Marriage

The Quran uses the most beautiful and profound metaphors to describe the spousal relationship. One of the most intimate and telling of these is found in Surah Al-Baqarah.

This verse describes the closeness, mutual comfort, and protection that spouses should offer each other.

“…هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ…”

…Hunna libāsun lakum wa antum libāsun lahunna…

“…They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

Consider the implications of the word libās (clothing, garment). What does a garment do? Signifying the deep intimacy and closeness that should exist between spouses. Spouses protect each other from sin, from hardship, and from the harms of the outside world. 

Also, they are a shield for one another. Marriage should be a source of emotional and physical comfort, a solace. 

And just as a garment covers the body, spouses should protect each other’s honor and overlook minor shortcomings, not exposing them.

This single word, libās, encapsulates a universe of meaning about the ideal marital bond. It’s a relationship of mutual support, mutual comfort, and mutual protection. Such eloquence is a hallmark of the Quran.

Read more about: Quranic Quotes About Success

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Conclusion:

Our exploration of these Quranic verses about marriage, presented in both Arabic and English, has revealed the profound sanctity and divine wisdom embedded in this sacred covenant (mithaq ghalith). We’ve seen how Allah (SWT) establishes marriage primarily as a source of tranquility (sakan), deep affection (mawaddah), and encompassing mercy (rahmah) between spouses (30:21), and as a solemn, weighty pact demanding unwavering commitment and mutual respect (4:21). 

These teachings illuminate marriage not just as a social contract, but as a vital path to mutual comfort, spiritual growth, and finding one of Allah’s significant signs.

These divine instructions call us to live with our spouses honourably and with kindness (bil-maʿrūf, 4:19), upholding justice and fulfilling mutual rights (2:228), and cherishing the intimate bond where spouses are like protective and comforting garments for one another (2:187). 

May these verses inspire us all to nurture our marriages with the patience, understanding, and profound compassion that the Quran so beautifully teaches, thereby earning Allah’s blessings and strengthening the fabric of our families and communities.