Should I marry a man I am not in lo...

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

Should I marry a man I am not in love with?

Question

Should I marry a man I am not in love with?

Answer

The period of engagement in Islam is intended for the two parties to get to know one another and to become familiar with each other’s personalities and characteristics. It is also a period to test their intellectual, social and cultural compatibility. More importantly during this period the seeds of love are sewn in their hearts. Regular quarrels and fights between couples during this period could signal a lack of understanding and harmony between them. Marriage in Islam is based on compassion and mercy and this sound base would be hard to achieve if the couple are not in love in the first place.

At the time of the Prophet’s lifetime, a woman approached him and asked to be divorced from her husband. She told the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that she has no complaints whatsoever about her husband except that she does not love him and does not wish to remain married to him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) respected her request and she was divorced from her husband.

Another incident involved a woman who was divorced from her husband who would follow her in the streets, pleading for her love. Feeling sorry for him, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked her if she would consider returning to her husband. The woman asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) if this was a request or simply an intercession. When he confirmed the latter she said: “I have no use of my ex-husband.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) respected her final decision. These incidents indicate the importance of love as a solid basis for marriage.

Based on your question, you have no feelings of love for your fiancé and, as your continuous quarrels indicate, you lack mutual understanding. It would be better for both of you to leave each other instead of establishing a relationship on a false basis that is likely to fall apart sooner or later.
If you decide to leave him, it would be appropriate to return to him his gifts and find another spouse who can meet the expectations of both your mind and heart.
 

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