Explain how marriage (nikah) is performed in Islam.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Marriage (nikah) in Islam is a simple ceremony, which normally takes place at the mosque in the presence of an Imam.
2. The bride does not have to be present so long as she is represented by her guardian (wali).
3. Both the groom and the bride are to consent to the marriage of their own free wills.
4. The Imam may start with a sermon where he warns the groom and the assembly on the importance of good treatment of the wife according to Qur'an and Hadith or the importance of marriage in Islam.
5. The presence of two persons to act as witnesses to the ceremony and to the signing of the (written) contract is of utmost importance.
6. The groom or his representative proposes to the bride in front of at least two witnesses, stating the details of the mahr (a monetary gift given to the bride as part of the marriage contract).
7. The bride and groom demonstrate their free will by accepting (in some places the word qabul ('I accept' in Arabic) is said).
8. If men and women are separated for the ceremony, a male representative called a guardian (wali), acts on the bride's behalf.
9. A formal, binding contract – verbal or on paper – is considered integral to a religiously valid Islamic marriage.
10. As soon as the nikah is over, the guests start congratulating the groom and the bride and something sweet is offered.
11. Some Muslims prefer to have a feast alongside the nikah, while others prefer a simple ceremony with close relatives and then a big gathering where food is offered.
12. Candidates could explain the importance of marriage in Islam as shown in Qur'an 24.32 ('And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.') and then assess the importance for society.
13. Islam recommends the satisfaction of the natural urges in humans through the sanctity of marriage. By restricting it to the partners of marriage it ensures the responsibility for its consequences. When Muslims marry, they are committing themselves to that person, whereas changing partners regularly or living with them outside marriage can lead to immorality, lewdness and instability, which in turn will shake the harmony in society.
14. Islam also recognises that having children is important to perpetuate and strengthen the human race. For that purpose, the Prophet (pbuh) has encouraged the marrying of fertile women in order to increase the Islamic community (ummah). But giving birth to children is not enough, caring for and raising children in the proper manner is a duty on parents.
15. Married couples give a solid foundation to children to be raised in a healthy way, as both partners view their role as a partnership. This helps to give stability in society as it can help prevent problems such as delinquency and drug addiction.
16. Marriage, however, is also beneficial on the personal level. The purpose of marriage in Islam is for a couple to be company for one another, to give love and comfort to each other and to live in peace and calmness according to the commandments of God. Candidates could refer to Qur'an 30.21: 'And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.'
17. Islam acknowledges the sexual needs of individuals and does not want to repress or suppress it. As evidence, the Prophet (pbuh) has encouraged marriage for young men where these needs are greater: 'O you young men! I recommend marriage to you.' He also said whoever gets married is following his path (Sunnah).
18. Candidates could argue that for some Muslims marriage is not as important, in fact they may consider it a distraction and may prefer celibacy in order to attain to a higher degree of spirituality e.g. in some Sufi orders.
19. Some candidates could also argue that since marriage is essential for individuals, society as well will benefit from it. Others can argue that it is not that essential for individuals or society, there are other pillars which are more essential.
20. Conclusion: Candidates should make an overall judgement on whether marriage is important for society, for the individual, for both or not essential at all.