Definition & Evidence

**Linguistic Meaning:** Al-Nikah linguistically means: joining, gathering, and intermingling. It is said to be derived from "the trees intermingled" when some joined others, or from "the rain penetrated the earth" when it mixed with its soil. **Technical Definition:** A contract that permits each spouse to enjoy the other in the legislated manner. --- **Evidence of Legality:** The basis for the legality of marriage is the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus. **Quran:** Many verses indicate its legality, including: - Allah says: "Then marry those that please you of women, two or three or four. But if you fear you will not be just, then one, or those your right hand possesses" [An-Nisa: 3] - Allah says: "And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves" [An-Nur: 32] **Sunnah:** Many hadiths, including: - Ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity. And whoever cannot, let him fast, for it will be a restraint for him" [Bukhari & Muslim] - Ma'qil ibn Yasar رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Marry the loving and fertile, for I will boast of your numbers among the nations" [Abu Dawud, Nasa'i - sahih] **Consensus:** Muslims have unanimously agreed on the legality of marriage.