According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, marriage (An-Nikah or Az-Zawaj) is not merely a civil contract but a 'mithaqan ghaliza'—a firm and solemn covenant—as described in the Quran (4:21). Ibn Kathir's analysis of verses like 30:21 emphasizes its divine purpose: to be a source of tranquility (sakinah), love (mawaddah), and mercy (rahmah), serving as a profound sign (ayah) of Allah's existence. The renowned jurist Al-Qurtubi elaborates on the comprehensive legal framework surrounding marriage, detailing the mutual rights and responsibilities that ensure justice, such as the husband's duty of maintenance (nafaqah) and the wife's right to kind treatment. Al-Tabari's linguistic analysis of the root words confirms the themes of 'pairing' and 'uniting' as central to the institution. The synthesis across dozens of verses and scholarly traditions establishes marriage as the cornerstone of the Muslim family and society, a sacred partnership designed for spiritual growth, emotional fulfillment, and the preservation of faith.