Marriage, or matrimony, is the sacred relationship between a man and a woman. Love, care and companionship are the joys of life, and marriage is the bond that makes all this possible. Through wedding, man and woman become husband and wife. Then they start a family, usually by raising their offspring(s). This phenomenon has become fundamental to the society we live in.
Marriage Types
Marriage can be of many types. The most common form of marriage is monogamy, which constitutes one bride and one groom starting and continuing a family. There are thus only two people in this relationship. Polygamy is the marital relationship between more than two people. This includes polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny is the marital status of one man with two or more women, while polyandry is the marital status of one woman with two or more men. There are also other less frequent forms of marriage.
Marriage in Islam
In all major religions, marriage is seen as a sacred bond. In Quran, it is written:
“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.” (Surah an-Nur, 24:32)”
Prophet (s) highlights the importance of marriage and its sacredness. He says, “No house has been built in Islam more beloved in the sight of Allah than through marriage.”
Islam not only celebrates marriage, but also opposes monasticism and celibacy. Once, hearing a married person was not partaking in sexual relationship, Prophet (s) became angry and said to that man, “O ‘Uthman! Allah did not send me for monasticism, rather He sent me with a simple and straight [Shariah]. I fast, pray and also have intimate relations with my wife. So whosoever likes my tradition, then he should follow it; and marriage is one of my traditions.” Thus Muslims are encouraged to get married to live full and healthy lives.
Current Trend
In today’s world, marriage is still the norm. In Bangladesh, after getting married, the newlyweds usually start living either with the family of the groom or independently. Marriage mostly takes place through family arrangements. Thus, when a man and a woman get married, it is not only they who build a bond, but also their respective families. Matchmakers are often called in for assistance in matching up the potential bride and groom. However, this trend is changing. Day by day, young people are opting to select their potential mates on their own rather than just depending on their families or professional matchmakers.
This trend has given rise to online matrimony sites. These are popular throughout the world. Internet has made it easy for online sites and mobile apps to assist in matchmaking, and these services are quickly replacing human matchmakers. This is because these sites implement algorithm to match up potential couples based on their preferences. Thus there is a greater chance of people finding their suitable mates. In Bangladesh, sites such as biyeta.com, borbodhu.com, banglamatrimony.com are gaining in popularity.
Some traditions stand the test of time. Marriage is one such tradition. Though the ways in which people choose to get married might change, it is quite likely that marriage will continue to exist as a sacred form of relationship between a man and a woman.