The short answer
Islam strongly encourages marriage and describes it as a source of tranquillity, love, and mercy. A marriage requires the free consent of both parties, witnesses, and a gift from the groom to the bride that remains her own property. Forced marriage is invalid in Islamic law. Sexual relationships outside marriage are not permitted, which is why dating in the sense of casual or sexual relationships before commitment is generally avoided.
A little more context
How Muslims find a spouse varies greatly: through family introductions, friends, community events, and matchmaking apps. Many couples meet, talk, and decide for themselves with family aware and involved. Men may marry Jewish or Christian women in classical law; Muslim women are expected to marry Muslims, a rule some contemporary scholars have questioned. Practice differs by family and culture more than by doctrine.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 30:21 Tranquillity, love, and mercy between spouses.
- Qur’an 4:19 Live with them in kindness.
- Qur’an 24:32 Marry those among you who are single.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 5138 A marriage annulled for lack of consent.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.