Prophetic Traditions Related to Marriage in Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: An Analytical Study and Contemporary Implications

Abstract

Marriage and divorce constitute fundamental aspects of human society, upon which the well-being or deterioration of individuals, families, and nations largely depends. The teachings, practices, and statements of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) concerning these matters, as preserved in his blessed biography (Sirah), provide guiding principles for every era. This chapter examines selected narrations addressing the encouragement of marriage, its etiquettes and conditions, the bridal dower (Mahr), the role of the marriage guardian (Wali), the consent of women, exchange marriages (Nikah al-Shighar), procedures of divorce (Talaq), reconciliation and revocation of divorce (Raj‘ah), the prescribed waiting period (‘Iddah), intervening marriage (Halalah), oaths, and Zihar (a pre-Islamic form of marital repudiation). The objective is to establish a sound understanding of these matters and identify their governing principles in the light of the Prophet’s life and teachings.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) presented marriage as a means of worship, tranquility, chastity, and social protection, encouraging the Muslim community to embrace it. Through his teachings and personal example at different stages of life, he emphasized love, loyalty, fulfillment of mutual rights, consultation, and family stability. In matters of divorce, he established justice, patience, compassion, and kindness as fundamental principles and strongly discouraged oppression, cruelty, and mistreatment of women. An examination of the narrations discussed in this chapter demonstrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) clarified essential principles governing divorce, with the aim of protecting women, ensuring men's accountability, and maintaining social stability.

Keywords: Marriage, Wali, Nikah al-Shighar.