Islam considers marriage as one of the most virtuous and approved institutions

Allah (God) has created men and women as company for one another, so that they can procreate and live in peace and tranquility according to the commandments of Allah and the directions of His Messenger. Allah says in the Quran:

"And among His signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Undoubtedly in these are signs for those who reflect." [Quran 30:21]

These verses of the Noble Quran clearly show that in contrast to other religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism etc. which consider celibacy or monasticism as a great virtue and a means of salvation, Islam considers marriage as one of the most virtuous and approved institutions. Moreover, it is narrated by Anas that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

"When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half."

The Prophet considered marriage for a Muslim as half of his religion because it shields him from promiscuity, adultery, fornication, homosexuality etc., which ultimately lead to many other evils like slander, quarreling, homicide, loss of property and disintegration of the family. [1]

Islam teaches us that marriage is the finest, purest and permissible relationship that should exist between a male and female. Romance and love simply do not result in an everlasting bond between two people. In most cases, romance and love die out very quickly when couple find themselves with the real world. The unrealistic expectation that young people have is what often contributes to the failure of their relationship. Love is something nice, and it is recommended for a man to marry a woman whom he loves. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "There is nothing better for two who love each other than marriage."

However, this love should not be overwhelming and cause a person to forget other characteristics which he should look for in the person he wants to marry [2]. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A woman may be sought in marriage either for her beauty, nobility, wealth or religious inclination. Seek the last and you will be the more successful." The same holds for the female in the choice of a partner.

Women get to choose their partners in life

This aspect is greatly emphasized by Imam Bukhari. He, in fact, gave one of the chapters in his book the significant title: "When a man gives his daughter in marriage and she dislikes it, the marriage shall be annulled." Once a virgin girl came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said that her father had married her to a man against her wishes. The Prophet gave her the right to repudiate the marriage. [1]

Husband and Wife treat each other with mutual love and respect in an Islamic marriage

Marriage is an act pleasing to Allah because it is in accordance with his commandments that husband and wife love each other and help each other to make efforts to continue the human race and rear and nurse their children to become true servants of Allah. Allah says in the Quran: [1]

"And Allah has made for you your mates of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best." [Quran 16:72]

Belief, fear and respect of Allah, and decency of character are what make love, respect, and loyalty endure. Someone who loves his or her spouse for their belief and character will, in married life, be respectful, loyal, and decent. Losing one's youth, health, or beauty will not affect the love and consideration among spouses for each other, and neither will losing one's wealth or social status. They will not cause trouble or discontent to the other person because of their firm belief and fear and respect of Allah, whatever the circumstances. Believers will always be gentle and compassionate, as well as fair and tolerant, for they will consider this to be a responsibility entrusted to them by Allah. [3]

So close is the marital relationship that the Quran says of the spouses: "They are clothing for you, and you for them" (Quran 2: 187). In this verse, Allah reminds people that each spouse has equal responsibilities. The word "clothing" stands for the responsibility of guarding and protecting one another and also suggests that men and women have complementary qualities.

With the phrase "you have been intimate with one another" (Quran 4: 21), Allah proclaims the closeness and intimacy of married life. The secret of this closeness, intimacy, and valuing of each other is their intention to create an everlasting togetherness that will extend into the Hereafter. Islam considers marriage to be a comfort for women, for in it she experiences love, respect, loyalty, and faithfulness in the best possible way. She is always respected, valued, and honored. The absence of any pride, superiority complex, and lies enables her to find peace and contentment.

Prophet Muhammad as a Great Example in Married Life

Our Prophet (peace be upon him) became a great example for all Muslims in this respect. Allah refers to this reality in the following verse: "You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much" (Quran 33: 21). He frequently stated the importance and value of Muslim women, as in this hadith: "The whole world is a provision, and the best object of benefit of the world is the pious woman." 

In another hadith, he said: "The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is the best of them in good conduct. The best of you is the one among you who treats his wife the best." His impeccable behavior is a role model for all Muslims. In one hadith, he points out the importance of treating married women in the best way: "The best of you is the one who is the best to his wives, and I am the best of you toward my wives." He reminded everyone in a hadith of the importance of valuing women: "Act kindly toward women." 

Our Prophet (peace be upon him), who is a role model for all believers, always treated his wives gently, nicely, and with compassion. Aisha (his wife) said: "I have never seen a man who was more compassionate to his family members than Muhammad (peace be upon him)."  [3]

Source:

[1] http://www.islamswomen.com/marriage/intro_to_marriage.php

[2] http://www.islamnewsroom.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=653

[3] http://api.fmanager.net/api_v1/productDetail.php?dev-t=EDCRFV&objectId=2990