The Messenger of Allah said: "Indeed the conditions most deserving to be fulfilled are those that make the private parts lawful among you."
Hadith Text and Reference
The Messenger of Allah said: "Indeed the conditions most deserving to be fulfilled are those that make the private parts lawful among you."
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1127, The Book on Marriage
Meaning and Context
This noble hadith establishes the paramount importance of fulfilling marital conditions, as marriage is the divine institution that legitimizes intimate relations between spouses. The phrase "make the private parts lawful" refers specifically to the marital contract that permits lawful conjugal relations.
The Prophet emphasized that conditions stipulated in marriage contracts are among the most binding obligations in Islam, as they govern the most intimate human relationships and form the foundation of family structure in Islamic society.
Legal Rulings Derived
Scholars from all schools of jurisprudence agree that valid conditions in marriage contracts must be fulfilled, provided they do not contradict Islamic law. This includes conditions regarding mahr (dower), maintenance, and other mutually agreed terms.
The hadith establishes the principle that contractual obligations in marriage take precedence over many other types of agreements due to their sacred nature and their connection to preserving lineage and family honor.
Spiritual and Social Dimensions
This teaching emphasizes the sanctity of marital bonds and the importance of trust and fidelity in fulfilling promises. It elevates the status of marriage from mere physical union to a sacred covenant requiring utmost honesty and commitment.
The fulfillment of marital conditions protects society from immorality, preserves lineage, and establishes households based on mutual respect and contractual integrity, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic law in regulating human relationships.