Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

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The ConceptOf Servitude in Islam

Author: AlBalagh Foundation

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Table of Contents

Introduction 5

Servitude 6

Man and Servitude 8

1. GENETIC SERVITUDE 9

2. OPTIONAL SERVITUDE 10

Servitude As A Must 11

1. PURE SERVITUDE TO ALLAH 12

2. SERVITUDE TO OTHER THAN ALLAH 14

Why Servitude To Allah 15

1. CREATION IS ALLAH'S 16

2. SOVEREIGNTY IS ALLAH'S 17

3. POWER BELONGS TO ALLAH 18

4. COMMAND BELONGS TO ALLAH 19

5. LORDSHIP BELONGS TO ALLAH 21

The Psychological Motives For Worship 22

1. LOVE AND EAGERNESS 23

2. FEAR AND HOPE 25

Aspects Of Servitude 26

1- RATIONAL SUBMISSION 27

2. TRUSTING ALLAH AND CONFIDING IN HIM 28

3-SERVITUDE IS TO ALLAH 29

4- SERVITUDE IS IMPLEMENTED 30

The Role of Servitude in Man's Life 31

1. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT 32

2. SOCIAL EFFECT 33

3. CIVIL EFFECT 34

Endnotes 35

Introduction

The concept of servitude to Allah Exalted be He, is the essential cornerstone in forming man's inner being and in planning and organizing his general conduct and activities.This is because Islam takes servitude to Allah as the basis on which a Muslim builds his thoughts, molds the surrounding environment and makes his connections with the world and his Creator; submission to Allah thus becomes a plan for life, a way ofbehaviour and a method of thinking that distinguishes a Muslim individual and a Muslim society from the ignorant individuals and communities of diverse beliefs, different ideologies and value systems down through the ages.

Therefore, in this study, 'servitude to Allah' is regarded as the basis of the Islamic concepts to be discussed in this series through a correlated, systematic method, taking into consideration the logical progression and natural connection between Islamic ideas and concepts.

This method will make it easier for the reader to follow the chain of Islamic thought in an orderly and systematic manner.In this way it is easier to draw a distinctive and detailed picture of Islamic thought and its content - a picture capable of better presenting a genuine Islamic understanding, providing the Muslim intellectuals and students of Islamic culture with clear Islamic concepts which are now under siege in the current ideological struggle being waged against the very existence of the Muslims and their culture.

The aim of this series of publications is to lead support to the sincere Islamic intellectual and cultural groups, and share the responsibility of protecting Islamic thought against falsification, and loss.

Our aim is also to stress the unity of Islamic thought and to disclose the forgery and illusion of alien and ignorant thought and culture, as a response to Allah's command:

“And it is not for the believers to go forth all together (to fight). So why should not some people from each group of believers seek knowledge in religion, and to warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware.” Holy Qur'an (9:122)

“And say (to them): Act! Allah will see your actions, and (so will) His messenger and the believers....” Holy Qur'an (9:105)

Finally, we hope it willhe of interest to our dear readers and beseech Allah the Almighty to accept our simple work.Surely He undertakes the welfare of the believers.

AL-BALAGH FOUNDATION

Servitude

Prostration,submission and surrender are all definitions of a single truth: servitude to Allah. Servitude, in this sense, is a fact imposed on all of Allah's creation. The entire universe, with its various realms of matter, livingbeings and other creatures, is directed through its construction and evolution, to be connected to Allah's will, in the form of prostration, submission and surrender, completely and absolutely, to Allah the Exalted.

Through this submission, all creation attains to the best forms of perfection and preordained performance. In thisway existence evolves flawlessly and the general cosmic order is preserved. If any part of this universe could deviate from the order of creation and development, it would certainly perish andbe destroyed . If the planets changed course from their orbits, or if the earth changed itsposition, or the sun departed this solar system, all the order of the universe would be subject to annihilation. Thus, all beings, the inanimate objects, plants, animals and human beings, are genetically submissive to the general law and order which govern the world according to Allah's will.

This fact is better described by the Glorious Qur'an through its intriguing artistic illustration of the creation's way of surrender,prostration and connection to their Creator.

This submissionis illustrated through diverse verbal images presented in attractive statements, so that we can discern through them the universe as a worshipping entity possessing a genuine submissive reverence, keenly aware of the existence of its Creator and admitting the greatness of its Maker.

The Qur'an refers to this fact concerning the general inclination of the universe towards Allah the Exalted, its ties with Him, its need of Him, and its function according to His will, by way of prostration and surrender as a token of submission and of being humble and obedient. Thus, the whole universeis placed before us on the altar of worship and response to Allah's will and command.

All this is to make us feel in ourselves the meaning of servitude to Allah, and to have the lights of obedience and submission shine in our hearts, so that we may merge in the unity of this universe in its prostration and surrender. This process does not cease as it is the cause of existence, its perfectorder and its expression of the goal of its being.

The Glorious Qur'an describes the prostration of the universe and the worlds, by saying:

“Do not see all the things that Allah has created - casting their shadows to the right and the left, prostrating before Allah in humbleness? To Allah prostrate whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth from among the creatures; and the angels and they do not show arrogance.” Holy Qur'an (16:48-49)

“Do they seek other than the religion ofAllah, and to Him submits whatever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they shall be returned?” Holy Qur'an (3:83)

Thus, the Qur'an draws the picture of the creatures' prostrating, brings our attention to their worship, rebukes those who are inattentive, and enjoins us to ponder the universe and the worlds around us, where we see everything submissive, overwhelmed,insignificant and obedient to Allah's greatness and will. The earth, the heavens, animals, plants, and everything on which the light of existence shines, have no power to rebel, to be proud, to reject Allah's command, nor can they contradict His wisdom and arrangements.

It is as if the Qur'an, addressing us, says:

Why does not man accept the reality of this truth?

Why does he try to deviate,rebel and be disobedient until he falls into the precipice of misery and wretchedness? Is it not more becoming of him, as a rational being, to merge with the procession of thisuniverse which is continually singing the hymns of praise, and experiencing ecstasy over the delights of glorifying and worshipping? Does not he discern that?

“All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, and He is Almighty, All-Wise?” Holy Qur'an (57:1)

Man and Servitude

Servitude, this cosmic truth running through the depths of existence and the universal characteristic personified throughout the whole world, is such that man cannot but find himself either as individual forcibly revolving along its orbit or as a living will, wavering between its two choices. Thus, to the human who has will and can choose, and is liable to reward and punishment according to his responsibility, servitude to Allah is of two kinds:

1. GENETIC SERVITUDE

Theone who lives with theQur'anic imagery, discerns with his conscience and feelings, the prostration of the universe, of the worlds, of the creatures and of all things. He understands that man, in his entirety, is a part of this world, andis forced to prostrate and submit. He is forced genetically to worship, with no power to dodge from, or to rebel against Allah's inherentdesign which pervades the whole of existence.

Manis forced to live, to die, to grow, to give birth, etc. He cannot choose his physical dimensions,nor his parents, nor the race to which he likes to belong, nor the quality of his genes.

Furthermore, he cannot act contrary to the laws of nature, i.e. the laws of physics,chemistry and biology, to which he is subjected, and which organize his existence. The same principle applies to all other creatures and beings that have no will of their own, as none of them is able to create himself.As a consequence of ·this incapability and need of a Creator, man is but a bondman who is bound by an innate compulsion to submit to Allah's will.

In order to make man comprehend this fact, the Qur'an (incessantly) asserts and confirms man's surrender to the Creator of existence. Allah the Exalted says:

“And if Allah were to enlarge the provision for His servants they would surely rebel in the earth, but He sends down by measure as He wills. He is informed, a Seer of His bondmen.” Holy Qur'an (42:27)

“And on the Day when He will assemble them and that which they worship instead of Allah and will say: Was it you who misled theseMy servants or did they (themselves) wonder from the way? Holy Qur'an (25:17)

“There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes to the Beneficent as a servant.” Holy Qur'an (19:93)

In theseverses the Qur'an asserts that all people are Allah's servants by means of their intrinsic relation to Him, be they believers who obey through their own conscience, will and choice, Allah's commands; or rebellious disbelievers who refrain from complying with Allah's orders.

Man is by innate compulsion moving within the orbit of servitude, because he is Allah's bondman and follower, and is submissive to His will. This is why the Qur'an calls the wrongdoers and the misguided servants', as it similarly calls whatever there is in the heavens and the earth, angels and men, servants', whether believers or disbelievers. This kind of servitude, surrender and submission is termed inherent or genetic servitude', i.e. compulsory and natural submission.

2. OPTIONAL SERVITUDE

Man is different from other beings in that he is an intellectual and understanding creature, possessing the will and ability to choose by means of the unique mental power bestowed on him by Allah, and the right given to him to choose his mode of conduct. Through that faculty he can do good or choose the way of evil; go towards Allah and be connected to Him or rebel against His commands and laws and purse the path of deviation and rebellion.

This type of connection to Allah is quite different from that of genetic connection. There, man is compelled and has no choice whatever, while here, in organizing his connection with Allah, he hasfree-will , can choose the divine road leading to Allah's consent; that is, choosing the way of servitude to Allah. Likewise, man can choose the way of perversion, which is the way of servitude and submission to other than Allah; as he may worship his ego, or his desires to which he yields; or he may take asgods human tyrants and despots, follow their commands and place himself at their service.

This servitude which is chosen by man, be it servitude to Allah or to other than Allah, is optional, as it is chosen through his own free will. He therefore is responsible for it andwill be questioned on Judgment Day. Allahsays: “And stop them, for they must be questioned.” Holy Qur'an (37:24)

“We have made the deeds of every human being to cling to his neck.And on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring out for him which he shall find, wide open. Read your book, you yourself suffice this day as areckoner against you. Whoever isguided, is truly guided for his benefit and whoever becomes perverse, is only perverse to his own self.And no laden soul bears the burden of another. We never punish untilWe have sent a messenger.” Holy Qur'an (17:13-15)

ServitudeAs A Must

“Every one has a direction to which he turns; so vie with each other for good deeds. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together. Surely Allah is powerful over everything.” Holy Qur'an (2:148)

Thus, man must have in his life an object to worship, an entity to which he may submit and direct his will, as everyone of necessity needs a motive for the action and conduct he chooses during his life to which he proceeds.This goal of his is the force that moves him to be active and is the urge behind every act he chooses to do or not to do. Hence, that goal or that principle becomes his object of worship to which he turns, though he may not admit it to himself.

These goals and motives may be different according to man's conscience and choice. He may choose either to worship Allah or his desire. Allah the Exalted says: “Have you seen him who chooses for his god his own lust? Would you then be guardian over Him?” Holy Qur'an (25:43)

Or he may take a tyrant from among the human beings for a god.

However, if his motive to action is Allah the Exalted, then his servitude will be to Allah only; if his motivebe other than Allah, then his surrender will be to that other than Allah, that which is dominating his thought, feelings and deeds.

Accordingly, man's chosen path of submission can be of two kinds:

1. PURE SERVITUDE TO ALLAH

This is a servitude purely and entirely dedicated to Allah in all of man's acts so that his recognition of Allah is the cause of his acts, and the goal of his deeds, seeking no consent but Allah's, and motivated only by the love for Allah, whether in prayer, fasting, thinking or in intention, feelings and social connections. This is made manifest in his morals, politics, economy, judgment, love, hatred, consent, indignation ..etc ., as well as in his relations with the universe, nature and the world around him.Actually, a believer starts from a fundamental principle, a basic mental foundation, which says: man and the whole universe are His alone; so he has to keep to the line of obedience and to merge in it, in fulfillment of absolute dedication to Him and in pure submission, clear of every trace of impurity that mayeffect its sincerity, i.e. hypocrisy, dissembling, flattery, . .etc.

The Qur'an illustrates the spirit of servitude to Allah by saying:

“I have turned my face towards HimWho created the heavens and the earth, as an upright, and lam not of the polytheists.” Holy Qur'an (6:79)

On this basis there came the sayings of the Prophet (s.a.w .) explaining the idea of being pure and sincere in thought and action, and calling to a unified direction towards Allah the Exalted.

It is said that abedouin came to the Prophet (s.a.w .) and asked him: Who doesgood or gives alms and likes to be praised and rewarded for that? The Prophet did not answer him and kept silent, until a glorious versewas revealed as a complete answer, clarifying the way of salvation, and gratitude to Allah alone:

“Say: surely lam only a mortal like you. Itis revealed to me that God is One God. And whoever yearns for the meeting with hisLord, let him do righteous deeds, and let him associate none with his Lord in serving Him.” Holy Qur'an (18:110)

Thus, the answer of the Qur'an came rejecting polytheism and clarifying the direction between the love of praise and love of getting nearer to Allah the Exalted. The believeris commanded to release himself from this polytheism, the sharing of oneself with worshipping Allah or from combining one's desires to have both the reward from Allah as well as the praise of people. Imam Ali (a.s .) said:

“Blessed be the one who turns in his worship and invocation directly to Allah, and who did not engage his heart with what his eyes see, and who did not forget to remember Allah through what his ears hear, and who did not bring sorrow to his breast because of what the others have.” 1

Such is the call of Islam. It stresses that man should maintain human, coherent conduct, with a unified direction and goal, founded on the idea of the Oneness of Allah, with pure sincerity to Him alone. All of thisis done for the sake of freeing man from worshipping the self and defying the ego.

In order that personal desires and selfish whims do not become the cause of actions contrary to Allah's will and that human conduct does not center round these grave and selfish motives, which destroy man through diseases of his morality such as egoism, hypocrisy, two-facedness, lust, indulgence in pleasures, etc.

Moreover, by sincere obedience Islam wants to express a universal truth, the truth of the real relation between Allah and man. This religion wants to liberate man from being the servant of theI' , and from obeying human despots; a position result of purely serving Allah alone.

This inference helps us to discover the meaning of servitude to Allah, and to comprehend its truth which is: To join the line of Divine Will and to haveone's will coincide with Allah's.'

Without this puresincerity one's submission would only be a worship associated with other than Allah, as described by the Qur'an. This kind of obedience is the most dangerous ailment that may afflict the thought,morals and conduct of a Muslim believer - it is the ailment of duality of the split personality and the loss of its unity and primal originality.

When such a misfortune befalls man, he would worship Allah with insincere motives, as these motives would conflict with and sap conviction from his worship of Allah.

Thus, the hypocrite who likes tobe applauded for his doing good; saying his prayers or going on pilgrimage to Mecca, he is actually worshipping himself, and turning to glorify himself, while apparently he seems to be turning to Allah; that is, he worships both himself and Allah as partners simultaneously.

The man of letters who acquires knowledge for fame; the reformer who wages a campaign against corruption in order to become a guide and leader; the rich man who is charitable in order to have his name known among the people, and those who devotedly engage themselves in the love of this world, in collecting wealth, monopolizing interests, gratifying their lust in forbidden pleasure, neglecting to remember Allah, deviating from His love and worship, turning away from Him; all of these and their like cannot be regarded as have sincerely worshipped Him, as they have worshipped themselves, defied their own persons, and desired other than Allah.

Similar are those who claim that they believe in Allah and worship Him in their prayers, fasting and pilgrimage, but they disobey His commands concerning other deeds, in order to obtain the consent of other than Allah, for fear of mortals. They become wrongdoers and oppress people, neglect the right and keep silent in the face of corruption, as if they have not heard the call of the Qur'an, and they do not want to be among those whom it praised by saying:“And bind yourself with those who call upon their Lord at morning and evening desiring His favor.” Holy Qur'an (18:28)

“As for that abode of the Hereafter, We assign it to those who seek not oppressionIn the earth, nor yet corruption. The (good) sequel is for the god fearing.” Holy Qur'an (28:83)

But they put themselves among those of whom the Qur'an says:“They have taken their rabbis and their monks as lords beside Allah.” Holy Qur'an (9:31)

2. SERVITUDE TO OTHER THAN ALLAH

Man, through successive ages, has been subjected to the ailment of ignoranceboth in his thought and soul , which means rejecting servitude to Allah and turning to other beings, natural and human forces, self-deification and indulgence in unrestrained personal desires and pleasures.

This is true in respect to the idolaters, the infidels who do not believe in God, and the pagans who worship animals or natural phenomena, etc. They all take themselves as gods, and regard their desires and whims as their lords through which they worship and follow their self-centered inclinations.

The Qur'an distinctively describes those groups by saying:

“Have you seen him who chooses for his god his own lust? Would you then be guardian over him?” Holy Qur'an (25:43)

This is the inevitable direction they take, having turned away from the divine direction, and as such, they no longer have a clear program; no explicit law and no proper human conduct, as they can only follow the urges of their lust,pleasures and desires. They fabricate laws and regulations, and philosophize on life, man'sgoals and his beliefs according to their own desires, and their limited and shortsighted understanding.

All this is because of man's ignorance and his being too proud to worship Allah, taking himself as a god on the earth, after rejecting the Supreme Deity and servitude to Him. This is the beginning of tragedy and misery, causingfor mankind much suffering, injustice, despotism, tyranny and bitter struggle among diverse interests, desires and selfishness.

These tendencies of ignorance in the soul and thought have registered grave consequences on society andbehaviour . Humanity has thus been invaded by waves of oppression, poverty, ignorance,suppression and arbitrariness, as a minority of the elite usurped rule and domination, and indulged in the pleasures and the delights of life in which they believe. Meanwhile, the greater majority of peoplewere left suffering this unjust servitude imposed by false humandefication .

Why ServitudeTo Allah

One question revolves in the mind of everyone contemplating the universe and life, and in the thought of every sane person scrutinizing the meanings of servitude and submission in order to give the correct answersto :

Whyshould Allah be worshipped alone?

Why shouldman's will melt and merge with Allah's will?

Why should man's thinking, emotions,conduct and other inclinations conform to the Divine Will, free of disobedience or deviation? Man would soon find the answers in the Qur'an, together with a number of preliminary facts proving that servitude to Allah alone is atruth which is a natural result in this world, dictated by the essence of the relation between man and his Creator.

We may list the basicfacts which lead to the inevitable belief that worshipping Allah alone is a truth, as explained by the Qur'an, which makes a connection between every cause and its effect, through many of its verses. It stresses this reality through the following:

1. CREATION IS ALLAH'S

The Qur'an speaks of the creation, innovation and the genetic being of man, and connects these to servitude and submission to Allah, as two correlated and inseparable truths. Allah the Exalted says:

“O mankind! Worship your Lord Who created you and those before you, so that you may be god fearing: Who assigned to you the earth for a couch, and the heaven for a dome; and sent down out of heaven water, wherewith He brought forth fruits for your sustenance; so, set up not compeers rivals to Allah while you know.” Holy Qur'an (2:21-22)

“That is Allah, your Lord, there is nogod but Him, the Creator of everything, therefore worship Him. And He is the Guardian overeverything .” Holy Qur'an (8:102)

Here the Qur'an regards servitude to Allah as a result naturally born of the fact that everything belongs to Allah, considering servitude to Him to be an existing truth in man's life, traversing the realm of the equation between creation and relation to Allah the Exalted.

2. SOVEREIGNTY IS ALLAH'S

The secondtruth which translates into the inevitability of worshipping Allah is the fact that man, like everything else in this universe, belongs to Allah.Man is owned by his Creator and he owns nothing of himself, nor of this world, though he makes use of himself, of the universe, of the earth, of property, of wealth, and of every like means, by way of the authority of Allah the Exalted.So , he has to submit to His will and organize his life accordingly, whereupon he will be Allah's servant. The Qur'an refers to this when it addresses man, saying that whatever is in his possession in this life is Allah's, and not his. Man is destined to leave everything behind for others to use. Hewill be absented from life and taken away empty- handed .

Allah, the Exalted says:

“And indeed you have come to us alone, as We created you the first time, and you have left what We conferred on you behind your backs;...” Holy Qur'an (6:94)

At anotherjuncture the Qur'an connects Allah's sovereignty over everything with servitude to Him alone, and states that the one in whose hands are creation, death and life, is the only One Who should be worshipped. Servitude is but absolute submission and complete surrender to the worshipped. It is not becoming of servant wholly owned to surrender to other than his owner.

“Say (O Muhammad): O mankind!l am the messenger of Allah to you all. To Him belongs the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth. There is no god butHe . He gives life and causes to die. So, believe in Allah and His messenger, the unlettered Prophet who believes in Allah and in His words. And follow him so that you may be guided.” Holy Qur'an (7:158)

3. POWER BELONGS TO ALLAH

The third truth that requires service to be for Allah alone, is that He is the Almighty and that it is Hiswill which is operative. No individual has the ability to resist His sovereignty and will. It follows that man can butsubmit to the will of his Creator, carry out His commands and surrender to His judgment:

“He is the Omnipotent over His servants, and He is All-wise, All-Cognizant.” Holy Qur'an (6:18)

“O my fellow prisoners, are sundry lords better or God, the One, the Omnipotent. What you worship, apart from Him,are nothing but mere names that you and your fathers named, for which God has not sent down any authority.Surely the rule is only for God. He ordains that you worship none but Him. This is the upright religion, but most people know not.” Holy Qur'an (12:39-40)

“Say (to them, O Muhammad) lam only awarner , and there is no god but Him, the One, the Almighty.” Holy Qur'an (38:65)

However, this surrender to Allah's mighty will is founded on belief in to His Justice,Wisdom and Mercy. It does not resemble the surrender shown by a weak man to an unjust despot. There is a difference in the inner feelings in the two cases: In oneinstance he submits to a wrong and unjust will, imposed on him by oppression and force, making him accept the situation reluctantly. Had he the power to rebel against it and set himself free from the bondage, he would have done it, since he does not believe in the justness of such forced and unjust submission.

The other instance is that in which man submits to an overwhelming power willingly, because of his belief that the connection, between this weak existence and the existence of that divine supreme power, is a just one. This relationship truth expresses the reality of two beings, his and hisCreator's .

There is no injustice in this mutual connection, as it is based on justice,love and mercy:“Therefore ask forgiveness of your Lord and then turn to Him. Surely my Lord is Merciful, Loving.” Holy Qur'an (11:90)

“Surely Allah wrongs not so much the weight of an atom; and if there it be a good deed, He will multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward.” Holy Qur'an (4:40)

4. COMMAND BELONGS TO ALLAH

The fourthtruth which causes man to become Allah's servants is the fact that he exercises no control over any part of this world, nor can he determine any of its events, or handle the incidents that may befall him, such as death, life and other happenings. He has no choice but to accept unquestioningly and without objection.Thus his submission to such events is an innately compelled submission to Allah's command and will:

“No soul is to die save by Allah's leave and at an appointed term. Whoever desires the reward of this world,We will give him of it; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We will give him of it; We will reward the thankful.” Holy Qur'an (3:145)

“No calamity befalls save by Allah's leave.And whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. And Allah is Omniscient of everything.” Holy Qur'an (64:10)

Naturally then, man has but to submit to Allah all his affairs, to handle them as He wishes, consenting to the fate and destiny prescribed by Allah:

“…They said: Have we any part in the matter? Say (O Muhammad): The matter belongs to Allah entirely...” Holy Qur'an (3:154)

“...His is the creation and the command. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the worlds! .” Holy Qur'an (7:54)

Consequently, a believer wouldsay: “...I confide my matter to Allah. Allah is seer of (His) servants.” Holy Qur'an (40:44)

Obviously then, handling “the cause of events is beyond the ken of man's ability. Organizing the universe, life, events and in fact all phenomena, are done according to Allah's will.Thus the reality of man's surrender to Allah the Exalted is made clear. In this connection, man embodies the truth of consent,submission and servitude to Allah's volition and wisdom. He is unable to act or influence events independently, except by Allah's permission.

“Yet you will not, unless Allah wills for Allah is Omniscient, All- wise.” Holy Qur'an (76:30)

In the glorioushadith (saying, tradition), from Imam Ali bin Musa Al-Ridha (a.s .) it is said that Allah the Almighty had said: “O son of A dam, on the basis of My will you can will whatever you like for yourself, and on the basis of the authority delegated by Me to you, you can perform your duties as divinely (ordained for) you. It ison the basis of My favor to you that you have become capable of disobeying Me.

I have bestowed upon you the ability to hear, tosee and to be strong. Hence, whatever good you received, you receive it from Allah.And whatever evil befalls you is because of your own self. As to your good deeds, lam closer than you yourself are.And to your evil deeds you yourself are closer than lam. This is why lam not accountable for whatI do. It is they (mankind) who are accountable.”

The fact that Allah has sovereignty that is, His absolute management of the creation and the universe, by way of deciding their fate,destiny and consequent of events, is a natural product of the fact that all power and possession are Allah's. The powerful Owner is the One Who manages and arranges things and happenings, according to His own forceful, creative will, capable of enacting the good and carrying it throughout.

Thus, man sees himself abeing tied to the orbit of an orderly, cosmic servitude and surrender to Allah, leading him to his intentional and freely chosen submission.

5. LORDSHIP BELONGS TO ALLAH

The fifth truth that makes man serve Allah is the fact that Allah is the Lord, the Benefactor and the patron of man. It is He Who bestowed upon man his means of living and whatever he may need in this life, and favored him with His care,kindness and compassion, from when he was but semen in his mother's womb, until the Last moment of his life. Logically then it is this Beneficent Lord Who deserves thanksgiving and worship. There is nobestower , nor a giver in the world other than Allah the Exalted.

In this respect the call of the Qur'an came as a reminder to man, awakening him from his sloth and carelessness:“Say: O people of the Book'! Come to a word common between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate none with Him, and we take not one another for Lords, a part from Allah.' And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims.” Holy Qur'an (3:64)

“I shall withdraw from you and that to which you pray beside Allah, and I shall pray to my Lord. It may be that, in prayer to my Lord, I shall not beunblest .” Holy Qur'an (19:48)

“Nay, but Allah must you serve, and be among the thankful!” Holy Qur'an (39:66)

In thisway the Qur'an confirms the inseparable connection between thanksgiving and servitude, and the bestowing of gifts and grace. It regards admitting Allah's munificence, and offering gratitude through worshipping Him, as a universal duty expected for His acts of provision. It also regards denying the bounties and the gifts of Allah as infidelity and rebellion against the principle of servitude to Allah the Exalted.

“They know the favor of Allah and then deny it. Most of them are the unbelievers.” Holy Qur'an (16:83)

“So eat of the lawful and good (thing) that Allah haspro vided you, andthank for the bounty of Allah if it is Him you worship.” Holy Qur'an (16:114)

Clearly then, the aforementioned truths: Creation, Sovereignty, Omnipotence, Command and Lordship, areAllah's . These attributes all coalesce to draw for us the picture of the relation between man and his Creator. They explain the shape of that relation,so as to assert the motives of man's submission to Allah alone, and his surrender to His will, intentionally, willingly and consciously, by way of contemplating on this relationship established between man and his Creator.In this way man can comprehend the difference between man and his Creator, and the difference between genetic and voluntary servitude, from which he may infer that: Since it is Allah Who is the Creator, the Owner, the Omnipotent, the Dominant, the Lord, the Beneficent, the Benevolent, the Patron, then, we must worship Him alone, and be sincere in our servitude to Him only.

The Psychological MotivesFor Worship

The concept of servitude and submission to Allah the Exalted in man's soul is foundedon a psychological bases , which enlivens the idea of servitude and grants it vitality and a spiritual and conscious force that urges man to cling to Allah and be connected to Him.

These psychological roots and the resultant deep innerfeelings, are:

1. LOVE AND EAGERNESS

When love of Allah occupies man's mind and heart, and when it interacts with his feelings and emotions, filling his soul and conscience, it becomes devotion, a way of life, which affects the entirety of hisbehaviour . Its spiritis reflected in all his activities and emotions. Thus, his servitude to Allah is ingrained in his soulon the basis of love and pure eagerness for his God, in Whom he discerns every · loveable attribute; nay, more; he sees in Him the infinite perfection and the ultimate goal.

Consequently, this love and eagerness towards Allah continually urges him - in the direction of his Lord, and restlessly pushes him to do whatever may bring him nearer to Him, and to try whatever may attract His approval.

By enjoying such a love, and living in this state of eagerness, man feels as if he were imbibing the most delicious pleasures of life, at the highest stages of bliss, which takes him still nearer to the proximity of his Creator, with utmost love and longing. The ways of expressing worship practiced by man through praying, fasting, fighting for the sake of Allah, invocation, etc. cannot have their full meaning penetrate in the human soul, without its first feeling a pure love and longing for Allah.

This is why the believer carries in his soul and mind the message of servitude to Allah (religion), speaks about it, is proud of it, and sacrifices for it all his wealth, comfort, himself and his kinsmen; because all these cannot be compared with the love for his Lord.

This is very expressively, though briefly, described in the Qur'an:

“O you who believe! Should any among you turns back from his religion, Allah will soon raise a people whom He loves and who love Him...” Holy Qur'an (5:54)

“And those who believe, their love of Allahbe more intensely...” Holy Qur'an (2:165)

In the invocation of the great Prophet (s.a.w .), we find a genuine expression of the fountains of divine love and longing. He says: “O God, grant me to loveYou , to love who loves You, and love the one who brings me nearer to loving You. LetYour love be more dear to me than a drink of cold water.2

Here isHussain bin Ali binAbi Talib (a.s .), the grandson of Prophet (s.a.w .) who dips from the fountain of divine love, and illustrating its sweet taste, proclaims the drinker would not like to turn to any other than it: “It was You Who wiped away the others from the hearts of Your lovers, so as to love no one save You and to take refuge with no one but You .3 ImamJa'far Al-Sadiq (a.s .) referred to the relation between the lover and Allah, and its impression on his conduct and feelings, saying: “The lover is the most sincere, the truest speaker and the strictest keeper of his promise, to Allah. 4 But when this glowing flame dies away in man's soul, and when this flowing fountain dries up, man feels thedessication of life, the accumulation of darkness in his being, the misery of his living. He wanders at random in his worship, ambling aimlessly in the world of the astray, far from Allah. If he, in this case, practices religious rites, such as saying his prayers, fasting and other good deeds, they will be void of real meaning andthey spiritual contents that raise man to high degrees of human progress and perfection.

1: The Principle of Marriage in the Cosmos

And of everything We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction.[Holy Quran: Zariyat 51:49]

The System of Joining and Coupling in Inanimate Objects

Allah (God) wisely and fairly willed to create pairs of everything in the firmly-founded and extensive order of Creation. In the expansive scene of Creation the pairing of everything is an absolute truth with no exception. Even before man came to know this fact through his knowledge and perform scientific research on it, the Glorious Quran had made this truth known in numerous verses, including verse 49 of the Blessed Surah (Chapter) entitled “The Winds That Scatter (Al-Zariyat)”. This scientific fact covers everything in Creation, including inanimate objects, plants, animals and humankind.

This great statement which is a scientific fact and an explicit expression regarding everything which is in the cosmos, implies one of the miracles of the Glorious Quran being mentioned centuries before the scientific Renaissance came about; and in a city like Mecca or Medina with few who could read or write and lack of books or schools. This Quranic statement (51:49) is also a strong reason proving the originality of this scripture its being scientific and the justification of the Prophethood of the Last of the Prophets Muhammad (Pbuh).

The Glorious Quran has other verses about other aspects of Creation which have surprised and perplexed today's scientists and leave no room for doubt about its rightfulness to anyone in any rank or position and the fact that it is the guiding light in man's life.

This is the Book: In it is guidance sure, without doubt.[Holy Quran: Baqara 2:2]

God's divine favor and mercy has set in the inner nature of all couples of any type the inclination, attraction, loving relationship and strong affinity for one another that will lead to marriage, consummation, birth and increase in the population. Thus, the magnificent order of Creation continues on and on and all creatures, of any sex or type, will attain happiness and pleasure in life and will benefit from their own existence and from the company of other beings.

The relationship of generation in the world of inanimate objects, in whatever form it takes, is manifested in the inclination for the combining of one element with another resulting in the creation of a third one. Consider the combination of oxygen and hydrogen, which are both flammable elements. The result of the combination of these combustible gases is cold water that is the essential liquid for living and cheerfulness. All of the following are wonders of Creation and a result of the will and mercy of the Lord of the two worlds. For instance, mutual attraction along with its numerous results or the case of positive and negative currents in a form with countless benefits can be mentioned here. It is this relationship between two elements and their affinity for each other, and briefly speaking the attraction existing between inanimate objects which is the cause of the generation and continuation of their existence; and the perpetuity of the excellent order of Creation as well as the beautiful expanse of existence.

Indeed, what an amazing power and what a great will is displayed when such a relationship of intimacy between two combustible elements can be established. The combination of these two elements creates cold water, pleasant abundance of springs, roaring rivers, great seas, endless oceans and fine rain. What a wonderful power it is which results in the production of diamonds from the combination of elements in the deep of the dark earth and in the heart of granite and in a place where there is a pitch-black bed of rock darker than night!

What a mighty will exists that can form red agate from the combination of several materials in the dark mines of Yemen and from the deep earth of Nayshabur sky blue turquoise is produced! Also from the combination of earth with animal fossils, thousands of useful things for man are created and obtained. What mercy and favor exists that through the combination of earth and stone or other materials with earth and stone such useful metals like gold, silver, copper and iron are produced! What a strong will and great wisdom exists that grants to His creatures so many blessings from the combination of elements with one another! What a strong will and great wisdom that has created such close affinity between the sun and the earth- between the collection of elements in this fiery ball and the earth's elements! Many blessings result from the combination of the sun's and the earth's elements. As Allah states in the Glorious Quran, no one has the ability to count these blessings.

It is God who created the skies and the Earth, sent down water from the sky and by means of rain gave you fruits to eat. He put ships under your control so that you could make them sail on the seas, and He gave you control of the rivers all over the Earth. And gave you power over the sun and the moon which are in constant motion and let you benefit from the day and the night. Whatever you asked of Him, He granted to you. If you try to count God's blessings, you will not be able to do so !

It is God Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you.

And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath He (also) made subject to you.

And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favors of God, never will ye be able to number them. Verily man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.[Holy Quran: Abraham 14:32-34] .

The degree of affinity and attraction of the elements and their being negative or positive and the loving relationship between them for generations is based on an orderly system, special laws, efficiency and just regulations. There are no excesses to be found in these inclinations (or attractions) and these relationships and this sincerity never turn cold. In this beautiful, broad and loving scene there exists no rage or fighting, no discord and opposition.

Divorce and separation have no meaning in these amorous unions. If in this great extent of Creation divorce, rage, opposition, separation and hatred existed, then undoubtedly corruption would completely cover the earth making a mess and destroying everything.

All the elements in the world of inanimate objects have a certain size and weight. All these inanimate bodies have appropriate distances and develop and circulate according to their own position. Their combination with one another is based on their match. Elements do not break out of their own pre-determined order and do not become enemies fighting with one another. Wherever they exist in this better system, they observe their own lawful existence limits.

It is not permitted to the sun to catch up with the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).[Holy Quran: Ya-Sin 36:40]

There will happen no change in the weight, size, length, width, depth, color, and properties of the celestial bodies; and their distance from one another is always constant. For instance, the distance between the Sun and the Earth, being approximately 150 million kilometers, never increases or decreases.

If the distance increases, all the earthly creatures freeze; and if the distance decreases, all the elements of the terrestrial globe will be burnt up. Nothing can be seen except for knowledge, justice and unfathomable wisdom - which are all based on God's will being manifested in all creatures. That is why whenever those having conscience and being fair, who think and understand, and those who are pure and innocent, look at the system of Creation wholeheartedly, and humbly remember the Creator - the great organizer of this order. They sincerely say:

Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this![Holy Quran: Al-i-Imran:3:191]

O' yes, orderliness, laws, limits, rights and facts are inwardly and externally manifested in all of the elements of Creation. And the names and attributes of Allah are displayed in all the creatures so clearly that even the illiterate can read and understand them.

The strangest thing is that all these creatures with their own especial systems are heading straight for their beloved and their goal that is God the Almighty.

That to thy Lord is the final Goal;[Holy Quran: Najm 53:42]

The System of Plant Symbiosis

The system of combining or in other words; pollination and reproduction in the vegetable and plant kingdoms is carried out in such a way that any onlooker would get thoroughly astonished. It is impossible here to explain all the aspects of this important matter, since it would take up too much time. In a few sentences, a brief look at this wonderful scientific fact accompanied by its especial conditions and surprising laws as well as its extremely accurately arranged plans, will be presented to my dear readers.

If one has paid especial attention to the various flowers, one may see some delicate bars and stamens in the middle of the flowers called styles. The number of them varies from flower to flower, there being a certain reason for this anyway. At the top of them there is a small, yellow projection called an anther. There exists a small bag with four cavities in which pollens are placed in the anther.

The fine powder called pollen consists of microscopic grains which are actually very similar to animals' sperm. After the process of pollination is performed between the anther and the female parts, the flower seeds are produced. The pollen particles being very tiny have within themselves a very complex structure and amazingly as well as elaborately-done work.

Large amounts of protoplasm, fat, sugar, starch and nitric materials are found in them, and in the middle there exist two nuclei one of which is smaller than the other. The larger one is called the growing seed and the smaller one is the reproductive seed. The functions of both will soon be explained.

The Pistil

This is the part located on the axis of the flower and on the top part there is a raised section called the stigma. Its surface is covered with a sticky material which is supposed to hold the pollen and help its growth.

On the bottom of the pistil which is attached to the flat portion of the flower, there is a raised section called the ovary. It holds small seeds attached to the ovarian wall by tiny stem-like structures through which they absorb water and the necessary materials. The ovary also has an outstanding structure.

Reproduction

After the seed capsules are torn open and the pollen reaches the female stigma, it immediately starts to grow. It must be stated there are different means by which the pollen can reach the stigma. The observation of this very fact greatly surprises those who study Creation.

There are various insects that instinctively perform this important function. They are attracted to the flowers due to their color, smell and the specially sugary material inside them. Landing on the flower, they transfer the pollen attached to their furred legs, this being especially essential in flowers having separate male and female styles set on different bases.

As mentioned before, once the pollen lands on the stigma it starts to grow. The larger nucleus being the growing one starts to grow with the pollen and moves towards the ovary near which it is totally demolished.

However, the smaller nucleus which is reproductive passes through a tiny tube entering the ovary and compounds with the ovules. Reproduction takes place in that dark secret space thus a new flower will be born.

Man, water and air are some other means by which plants and vegetables are reproduced. In the plant’s world, just as that of inanimate objects, certain laws for combination and reproduction are at work through God's will. These laws are carried out without any difficulties, arguments or divorce. Thus man and other living creatures obtain their food.

The System of Animal Copulation and Reproduction

The attraction of the male animal for the female one and the mutual attraction existing between these two living beings, expressly for getting pleasure out of life, reproduction and survival of the species, is one of the biological wonders. Anyone who ponders over the desire and attention paid by animals to this vital issue; and the order and discipline governing coupling and copulation, will be greatly surprised.

All of the following issues are actually the manifestation of God's will and are considered to be wonders of Creation: the couple's cooperation in building their nest; the nest structure; guarding their secrets; choosing the site and time; and more important than all this is copulation. Other wonders are paying attention to the chicks' condition and providing them with food; teaching them what they must be taught and protecting them from danger and unexpected events, etc.

Man is really surprised by the egg-layers' and mammals' world of secrets: copulation, attention paid to guarding the eggs, fetuses and the newly-born ones. The conditions and regulations governing coupling, copulation and reproduction are appropriate and based on the divine laws.

There is not a moving creature, but He hath grasp of its fore-lock. Verily it is my Lord that is on a straight Path.[Holy Quran: Hud 11:56]

No animal tries to attract another species of animal. The male animal does not deviate from its straight, divine path and there is no deviation found in the sexual instincts of animals. The male sperm is intended for females of the same species and no other species is taken into consideration.

Animals do not attack females belonging to another male of the same species and they do not pursue other female animals. Oviparous animals and mammals are not any different in this regard.

Those who ponder over the order and discipline of all affairs, especially copulation and reproduction of birds, reptiles, herbivores and water creatures will really get astonished. The animals' life styles and the rules that govern them are good lessons for those people who have not taken God's guidance and live a life lacking spirituality. Animals are similar to inanimate objects, elements, the moon, sky, Earth and vegetation in regard to order and discipline.

Man and Marriage

Coupling, copulation and reproduction in the world of inanimate objects, plants and animals are based on the rules of Creation and the correct order of the instincts. This vital issue and magnificent, natural program, however, must be carried out and be based on divine regulations; those heavenly rules pointed in the Glorious Quran and in celestial maxims of the Prophets and Imams[3] .

The basic ingredients of this fact (marriage) have been placed in man and woman in the form of instincts, attraction, friendship, love, and kindness and are arranged according to God's wise will.

And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.[Holy Quran: Rum 30:21]

It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord Has power (over all things).[Holy Quran: Furqan 25:54]

In the Islamic immaculate culture, the action of choosing a spouse is recommended and greatly admired as an excellent program. If being unmarried might lead one to commit sins, it is absolutely obligatory to become united in marriage.

At this point, one must wholeheartedly put into action God's decree concerning marriage and not be afraid of the expenses involved, since worrying about future living expenses is a Satanic thought resulting from the mental weakness and not relying upon God’s grace.

Now let's consider the following Quranic verse from the Chapter Nur regarding marriage and God's guarantee to provide for living expenses:

Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: If they are in poverty, God will give them means out of His grace: for God encompasseth all, and He knoweth all things.[Holy Quran: Nur 24:32]

Literally speaking, "marry" in this verse is an order addressing all men and women in the society. One can conclude from this verse that marriage is necessary for those who need to get married or else their health and chastity would be endangered. The verse may also be used to instruct parents and those who can pay for the wedding expenses, to marry off young men and women.

Let's Be Lenient in Making Preparations for Marriage

It is a natural, human and vital affair for men to be attracted to women and vice versa, especially when the buds of the instincts bloom and the flower of lust with its intense degree and power appears at the time when one is marriageable. Marriage is an undeniable affair for anyone. The just desire of the youth, whether they be young women or men, concerning the future of establishing a married life is an obvious truth. This truth is as clear as the sun shining in the middle of the day for anyone, especially parents who have offspring of marriageable age.

The most important and the best way to prevent sinning and protect the society from falling into the whirlpool of corruption is to marry off young women and men when they need to be married. This is undeniable except by fools and the ignorant.

Based on the above discussion, during the first stage of this union, parents, other relations and anyone else concerned with the couple's marriage must be lenient in preparing facilities for this divine affair. They must make the wedding arrangements in the simplest way possible. At the next stage, it is necessary for the young man and woman planning to marry to avoid having inappropriate expectations from each other. And they should avoid creating strict conditions for marriage so that inclinations, instincts, lust and desires may easily follow their own natural path and the foundations of life would be laid on with prosperity. Thus, the building of success will be erected in this world and in the Hereafter.

According to the Quranic verses and the traditions, undoubtedly God the Benevolent will be lenient in this world and especially in the Hereafter regarding the deeds of those who are lenient about their own affairs; especially the ones concerning the marriage of their sons and daughters. On the other hand, men and women who are too strict will cause their offspring to suffer from nervous and psychic diseases; and become ill-tempered due to the pressure of instincts and lust. These innocent ones may commit sins and their hopes and desires be gone with the wind. In this world and especially in the Hereafter God will be strict and angry with them and they will burn in the fire of God’s Wrath.

Being too cautious about marriage will cause one to become too strict. The copulation of a couple in nature takes place extremely easily. This superior system undoubtedly could not exist now if the process of combining and copulation was difficult in nature.

O' you parents and offspring do not be too strict about the preparations for this divine and humane union; in determining the nuptial gift; in determining the marriage conditions; and in arranging the engagement party, the religious ceremony and the wedding party. Don't be too strict about performing local customs and do not propose plans which are beyond the financial abilities of the two families. Let the marriage take place easily as God the Benevolent will ease your affairs in this world and in the Hereafter.

Therefore, put into practice the ways of the pious ones and learn some lessons from this source of benefits and blessings. And establish your life based upon the characteristics of the pious ones, since happiness and the good of this world and the Hereafter are subject to following the example of the lovers of God the Eternal.

The Commander of the Faithful (Imam Ali) introduces the pious ones as follows::

"They are continually subject to self-control from any involvement in corruption. They require little and every good deed is expected from them. People feel safe and secure in their company."[Hedayat ul-Elm, p.651]

At any rate, those who are involved in the wedding preparations must avoid the following: inappropriate expectations; imposing various unbearable matters on those making preparations; following one's own carnal desires; getting entrapped in incorrect customs; being extremely envious of what others have; and finally being too strict in all of the wedding affairs.

From the very beginning, the foundation of the marriage must be founded upon piety, goodness, leniency, and only for the sake of acquiring God's satisfaction.

After the contract of marriage, the man who had seen the woman before the union and had approved of her, must start a new life with her and guarantee the continuance of the divine love and mercy established between the couple. And the woman, who had seen her husband before marriage and had accepted him, must be a complaisant wife easy to live with and respect his rights in all areas.

The following instances are not signs of dignity: excessively expensive nuptial gifts; expensive ceremonies; entertaining lots of guests; following illogical and inappropriate customs and traditions and imposing strict conditions. But the following are dignified acts: the couple must match each other in rank; both families should obey the Islamic ethics; both husband and wife must observe divine and human rights; both partners must continue to be loving and kind for the continuation of the marriage and to avoid arguments.

The life of a couple, such as that of the Commander of the Faithful[4] and Fatimah (Pbuh), is the best model for each Muslim man and woman. Fatimah was the source of peace for her husband making a peaceful home environment, and Ali (Pbuh) was an excellent model and teacher for the children and a sympathetic assistant in the house and family affairs. He would not hesitate to help in simple matters around the house such as: cleaning; preparing the bread dough and helping to take care of the children. He would not let his wife have a hard time in doing household duties and would not make her do everything around the house.

It is obligatory for a husband and wife to respect each other's rights and be each other's helper in all aspects of life. They should not think that oppression is limited to Pharaohs, the King Nimrood and other oppressors throughout history. Any unjust act that harms others is oppression and God does not like oppression and the oppressor. He dislikes any violation of other's rights no matter how insignificant.

God willing, all issues regarding the Islamic Family Structure will be discussed little by little in the following chapters. Here some important traditions concerning the value and significance of marriage and its benefits have been cited from authentic sources. It is hoped that you will realize the strength of divine issues and that no other culture has Islam's wise and fine plans.

Traditions on the Value and Importance of Marriage

1 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

God’s Mercy and attention will be bestowed upon man in four situations: when it rains; when a child kindly looks at his/her father; when the door of the Ka'aba (House of God) is opened and when a marriage contract is drawn up and two join each other in a new life.[Marriage in Islam, p.17]

2 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

You must marry and marry off your single sons and daughters. The sign of a Muslim's prosperity is to pay the expenses for a woman to get married. And nothing is better approved by God than a Muslim home enriched by marriage.[Marriage in Islam , p.7]

3 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

Marry off your single men until God will make them good-tempered and increase their daily bread as well as generosity.[Marriage in Islam , p.8]

4 -The Holy Prophet of God (Pbuh) said:

Marriage is my practice and whoever turns away from it does not belong to my nation.[Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.222.]

5 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

Whoever gets married has actually attained half of his/her religion and for the other half he/she should be pious.[Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.219.]

6 -Imam Sadiq (Pbuh) said:

A man came to my father, the Imam Baqir. My father asked him if he was married, but the man said no. Then my father told him that he would not like to own the world with everything in it and live one night without his wife. Then my father continued by saying that two units (rakaats) of prayer of a married man is better than a single man's night of worship and day of fasting. Then my father gave the man seven Durhams and told him to buy the necessities for marriage with this money since the Prophet (Pbuh) has said: Choose a spouse and this will cause an increase in your daily bread.[Vasa'il al-Shiia, v.14, p.7]

7 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

O' young ones; Whoever of you has the means to get married, then marry so that you seldom look at other women and remain sinless.[Marriage in Islam , p.14]

8 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

No contract in Islam is more approved by God than marriage.[Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.222]

9 -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

Whoever gets married has obtained half of prosperity.[Mustadrak al-Vasa'il, Introductory Chapters, Ch.1] -The Prophet (Pbuh) said:

Whoever marries at an early age will cause Satan to scream and say that the one who married saved two-thirds of his religion from my access. God's servant must remain virtuous to maintain the other third.[Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.221]

In fact, marriage is highly valued in Islam and it benefits man and woman greatly. Hopefully, families will ease this humane, divine and important issue and abstain from making conditions difficult to meet and be more lenient. And it is hoped they will perform these ceremonies according to their own social status being satisfied with what is available. Thus the youth’s desires would be naturally met and their instincts, being God-given blessings not turn into sin.

What are the roots of nervous and psychic diseases, inattentiveness to educational matters, being lazy in practicing prayer, rape, prostitution, lust and of lustful deviations? This question must be asked from parents who are too strict and entrapped in wrong traditions and habits being extremely envious of what others have. And also this question must be asked from those youngsters who are not pious and those who have the financial ability to provide for the youths' marriage but do not spend their wealth in the way of God. Whatever logical and acceptable answer they may have in this world, they shall have the same answer in God's just court in the Hereafter.