Causes of Delayed Marriage and Their Shariah and Social Remedies نکاح میں تاخیر کے اسباب اور ان کا شرعی و معاشرتی تدارک

Abstract

Marriage is an important institution in Islamic society and a Sunnah of the Prophets (peace be upon them), providing individuals with an opportunity to lead a dignified and morally upright life. Islam encourages making marriage easy and promotes love, tranquility, mutual respect, and cooperation between spouses. However, in the contemporary era, unnecessary delays in marriage have become increasingly common due to various social, economic, and cultural factors. Excessive dowry expectations, unnecessary customs and traditions, financial difficulties, restrictions based on caste and family lineage, undue emphasis on physical appearance, considering prestigious employment and financial status as essential criteria, and unrealistic expectations regarding a life partner are among the major causes of delayed marriage. The consequences of delayed marriage are not confined to individuals; they also affect families and society as a whole. Such delays can weaken the family system and contribute to various social and moral challenges. This article examines the major causes of delayed marriage from both Islamic and social perspectives. It highlights the importance of marriage, the Islamic emphasis on facilitating it, and the principles governing the selection of a spouse in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It also identifies the social barriers that make marriage unnecessarily difficult. Finally, practical and feasible recommendations are presented to address these challenges and promote a simpler, easier, and more Islamically appropriate approach to marriage.