Examining the Objectives of Sharia in Marriage from the Perspective of Imami Jurisprudence

Abstract

Marriage in Islamic law is one of the most significant religious rulings, regarded as a sacred bond between a man and a woman. In addition to establishing lawful sexual relations, it seeks to realize broader objectives in individual, social, and ethical domains. The objectives of Sharia in the context of marriage include the preservation of lineage, the provision of psychological tranquility for spouses, the strengthening of social and familial relationships, the establishment of social justice, and the safeguarding of chastity and moral integrity. These purposes and underlying rationales operate not only at the individual level but also exert substantial influence at broader social and cultural levels. The objectives of Sharia in Imami jurisprudence differ in certain respects from those recognized in other Islamic legal schools. In Imami jurisprudence, particular emphasis is placed on the spiritual and ethical rights of spouses, especially concerning dower (mahr), maintenance (nafaqah), and reciprocal rights and obligations. By contrast, other schools of Islamic jurisprudence—such as the Hanafi, Shafi‘i, and Maliki schools—tend to place comparatively greater emphasis on the economic and legal dimensions of marital relations. Overall, while the objectives of marriage in all legal schools include the preservation of lineage and the psychological well-being of spouses, Imami jurisprudence places stronger emphasis on the upbringing of righteous offspring and the moral cultivation of the family unit. This study examines the objectives of Sharia in the law of marriage within Imami jurisprudence and compares them with those of other Islamic legal schools, aiming to analyze both their differences and similarities. The findings indicate that in Islamic law, marriage is conceived not merely as a means of satisfying physical and sexual needs, but as an institution intended to promote morality, justice, and the strengthening of social and familial bonds.