The Concise Manual of Marriage

A short yet concise manual on the legal rulings of marriage authored by one of the beacons of light in his time, Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen, with comments from some of the Scholars of Islaam, past and present. The Definition of Marriage: After providing the linguistic meaning of marriage, Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen stated that the technical, religious meaning and purpose of marriage is: "The conclusion of a contract of marriage between a man and a women, with each of the two desiring to enjoy and take pleasure in one another, to establish a righteous family, and to create a safe and sound society.

A short yet concise manual on the legal rulings of marriage authored by one of the beacons of light in his time, Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen, with comments from some of the Scholars of Islaam, past and present. The Definition of Marriage: After providing the linguistic meaning of marriage, Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen stated that the technical, religious meaning and purpose of marriage is: "The conclusion of a contract of marriage between a man and a women, with each of the two desiring to enjoy and take pleasure in one another, to establish a righteous family, and to create a safe and sound society. From the Wisdom of Marriage: 1) Preservation and protection of both mates. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “O party of young men! Whoever among you has the ability to get married, then let him marry for surely it will be a means of lowering the gaze and protecting the private parts.” 2) Protection of the society from evil and the disintegration of [good] character, for without marriage, vices or despicable acts would spread amongst men and women. 3) The fulfillment of pleasure of one mate with the other, concerning what is mandated for him of rights and sexual intercourse. Since the man is responsible for the woman, he takes care of the maintenance of food, drink, housing and clothing with what is beneficial. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Upon you is their provisions and clothing from what is beneficial.” And the woman is also responsible for establishing for the man, that which is required of her in the home of supervision and correction. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “The woman is a shepherd in her home and she will be questioned concerning her flock.” 4) Perfection of relations between families and tribes. For how many times do we see two distant families that do not know each other?" The new edition includes a second appendix containing advice for the newlyweds.

Abu 'Abdullaah Muhammad Ibn Saalih Ibn Muhammad Ibn 'Uthaymeen at-Tameemee an-Najdee. He was born in the city of Unayzah, Qaseem Region (Saudi Arabia) on the 27th of Ramadhaan 1347H/1926 C.E. to a famous religious family. He received his education from many prominent scholars like Shaykh 'Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa'dee (d. 1376H), Shaykh Muhammad Ameen ash-Shanqeetee (d. 1393H) and Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn Baaz (d. 1420H). As a teacher, many students from inside and outside Saudi Arabia benefited from him. He had a unique style of interpretation and explanation of religious points. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was from among those scholars who served Islaam without religious prejudice and who kept themselves away from the limitations of blind-following. He was distinguished in his great exertion of effort in religious matters and analogical deductions which clearly prove the religious understanding he possessed, and the correct usage of the principles of the religion that he adopted. In giving religious verdicts, like Shaykh Ibn Baaz, his fataawaa (rulings) were based on evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah with about fifty compilations to his credit. He taught Religious Fundamentals at the Sharee'ah Faculty of Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Qaseem Branch. He was also a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of the Kingdom, and the Imaam and Khateeb of the grand mosque in Unayzah. The Shaykh passed away on Wednesday the 15th of Shawwaal 1421H / 10th of January 2001 C.E. He was 74 years of age. May Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta'aala) have mercy upon his soul, aameen.