According to classical Islamic scholarship, Marriage (Az-Zawaj or Nikah) is a sacred and legal contract (ʿaqd) between a man and a woman, described in the Quran as a 'firm covenant' (mithaqun ghalithun, 4:21). [4] Search-discovered tafsir from authorities like Imam Al-Tabari clarifies that its linguistic roots signify pairing and union. The primary divine purpose, as articulated in Surah Ar-Rum (30:21), is for spouses to find tranquility (sakinah) in one another, with Allah placing love (mawaddah) and mercy (rahmah) between them. [9] Imam Al-Qurtubi's juridical analysis of verses like 4:4 and 4:24 emphasizes the mandatory nature of the Mahr (dowry) as a right of the wife. [47] The synthesis across 38 Quranic verses reveals a comprehensive institution that regulates social relations, protects chastity (17:32), establishes clear rights and responsibilities (2:228), and provides mechanisms for conflict resolution (4:35), making it a cornerstone of Islamic social and spiritual life. [1]