Marriage and Family System in Islam and Other Religions

Abstract

Islam is a perfect and comprehensive religion that guides every aspect of individual and collective life of man. While Islam has emphasized on worship and beliefs, it has also given great importance to the social system, especially the family system as the basis for the welfare of humanity. Family is the basic unit on which society is built.

Allah Almighty did not create man to live alone, but has given him a family, social and mutual relations system. Human life also begins with parents and extends to siblings, uncles, maternal uncles, aunts, paternal grandmothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, grandmothers and other relatives. These relationships are a shadowy branch of human life that supports it in all seasons.

Marriage and family are one of the most vital institutions in the human society which is the backbone of social stability, moral upbringing and cultural continuity. Religions have distinctive doctrines about marriage and family life and its nature, purpose and structure, based on their wider theological and ethical beliefs. The article discusses the concept of marriage and family in Islam and compares it to the other great religions namely Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism. The study will include Marriage objectives, responsibilities and rights of family members, the role of the family as a social and religious group. The article takes a comparative perspective, bringing to the fore the shared values and the different characteristics of these religious traditions. The results indicate that all religions give importance to marriage and family in ensuring social order and the transfer of moral values; however, they have different perspectives and practices based on their beliefs and traditions. Finally, the study concludes by identifying a balanced and healthy family system in Islam which comprises spiritual, social and legal components, and a few common values in other religions. This comparative knowledge is a part of interreligious dialogue and an understanding of the role of the family in modern society.