Marriage

Islam does not make marriage mandatory upon any person be it male or female. If a person feels that marriage is not suitable for him or her, he or she is free to stay single but it is of course a highly recommended action. It also brings safety, protection and a sense of belongingness which are primary human needs. The male as part of the condition to be married must have enough wealth and resources to support a family plus must pay ‘Mahr’ to the wife. The wife is I in fact allowed to demand for the amount of Mahr she wishes. (Hardly happens though).
If the man has nothing at all he should in the least be able to give at least some form of education to the wife. This is not indication that the man is to be sold rather it is to indicate that a man has the necessary resources to take care of a family. The man must also host the waleema which is the celebration of the marriage in order to notify everyone that he is now living legally with a woman. Unfortunately wrong practice of Islam specially in the Asian countries have lead people to believe otherwise. The parents are allowed to gift whatever they wish to their children both male and female. The son will have two thirds while the daughter will have one thirds of the total share. This is because the man has far more commitments than a woman a few of which are listed above. He has the duty and responsibility of taking care of his parents, his parents-in-law, dependent siblings and servants plus wives and children. Quite a heavy load I must say. A heavy load for which extra physical, mental and financial strength has been given. On the other hand a woman’s inheritance, earnings and savings are entirely hers alone unless she wishes otherwise.