The word family can be defined as “a group consisting of two parents and their children living together as a unit.” Mutual link between male and female is most important for expansion of family. Marriages are done in every society to establish this link. This link is inevitable for continuance of humankind. The concept of marriage is antiquated as the birth of first human. The marriage is most important matter growing in human culture.
Everyone is aware of the importance of family. The notion of human family began with Adam and Eve. Family exists in every community, society, religion and country. In every society the norm is that a family begins with marriage. It considered valid and legal source of relationship in every civilized society.
Every religion, society and community has different laws and traditions of marriage. Every person feels troubled with traditions, which mostly are quite difficult to deal with. Actually, we create troubles for ourselves after making marriage procedure so tough. Marriage traditions have seen various changes throughout human history.
Traditions of different religions:
In Hinduism, traditions of marriage seem unnatural and unsuitable as a woman can marry many men. Though it is not being followed by majority now-a-days but it sure does have its followers in India. The same is the case with Sati custom where a woman used to be burned alive at the death of her husband. Thankfully this cruel custom is not being followed as well. Another seemingly unnatural thing in Hinduism is that fire is made a witness of the marriage. However, the good thing is that there is no concept of dower.
In Judaism the job of a woman is only to serve man and give birth to children. Jewish people, like Muslims, can divorce wife at will any time without the intervention of any other person or state institutions. Jewish woman could only marry with husband’s brother after his death. They can marry as many times as they want. A minimum of ten adults must be present in wedding ceremony as witness. There is no concept of marriage without contract.
While in Christianity marriage is not compulsory. Minimum age of marriage is fixed in almost all Christian countries. The father and Nun of church do not get married. Anyone can marry without the permission of parents.
In Islam there is a well defined code of life as compared to other religions. Family system in Islam is complete, comprehensive and clean from any mistake. The religion marks marriage as a compulsory unit of human life. Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “O you young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty.” I
Islam has fixed rule and regulations for marriage. The pubertal age is different in every region and country. Islam gives importance to permission of parents and consent of both parties. Dower (Mahr) is compulsory in Islam. Islam also gives right of second marriage to woman after divorce or dying of her husband. A man can marry with 4 women at a time, if he can gave equal rights to each, otherwise it’s not allowed.