A Comparative Study of Marriage from Islamic and Christian Viewpoints

Islam and Christianity both are great religions whose mission is guiding humans towards perfection; and marriage is one of the great factors in guidance and perfection of human beings. Therefore, these two great celestial religions have precepts and prescriptions regarding marriage. In the present article, we try to comparatively study this great social phenomenon in these two divine religions in order to have a better understanding of it. So, we will state the philosophy of marriage and mention the common pints and differences of these two religions as regards marriage to conclude that both religions regard marriage as a sacred institute. Islam, of course, considers the philosophy of marriage to be answering to the natural need inside humans; but in Christianity, the sacredness of marriage does not mean its inherent value at all. Rather, this is the celibacy that enjoys inherent and basic value. Christianity regards celibacy as the primary answer to the human nature. So, it considers celibacy higher than matrimony, holding that marriage has been legislated for those who cannot have celibacy with chastity.