How does Islamic law treat marriage as a contract between spouses?

In Islamic law, marriage is fundamentally regarded as a contract between spouses rather than a sacrament. This contract is intended for the legalization of sexual relations and the procreation of children, while simultaneously being viewed as a gift from or service to God.12

Key aspects of this contractual nature include:

• Formation: The essential requirement for the marriage is an offer and acceptance expressed by the parties at a single meeting. It can be constituted without any formal ceremony.2
• Financial Provisions: Upon marriage, the husband is obligated to provide the mahr (dower) to his wife, which serves as a gift to guarantee her financial independence. During the marriage, the husband is responsible for the maintenance and support of his wife, provided she does not reject his authority.13
• Consent and Guardianship: While fathers traditionally have the right to contract their daughters into marriage, jurists emphasize the importance of consent. For instance, an adult woman who is no longer a virgin must provide explicit consent, and in certain schools of law, an adult woman may conclude her own marriage contract.3