[Beerinkol]

In Islam, marriages are not considered to be 'made in heaven' between 'soul-mates' destined for each other; they are not sacraments. They are social contracts which bring rights and obligations to both parties, and can only be successful when these are mutually respected and cherished.

[Ifroham4]

Islam is realistic, and aware that many marriages go wrong and break down for all sorts of reasons. It is not assumed that a couple will remain together 'till death do us part'. However celibacy is disapproved, as it may lead to all sorts of psychological and physical tensions and problems.

[tgs]

One difference between Islam and other faiths is that to this day a man may have more than one wife, up to the limit of four wives simultaneously - so long as it is not done to the detriment and hurt of the existing Muslim partner(s). Muslim women are required to have only one husband at a time - they may still marry more than one man in a lifetime, but consecutively.

[NeroASERCH]

A Muslim husband has to agree a financial deal with the prospective wife before marriage. This money present is known as the mahr, and is a payment made to the bride which is hers to keep and use as she wishes. The reason is that even if the girl has nothing, she becomes a bride with property of her own.