Arranged Marriages

• Marriage is a social necessity in Islam, because families are made through a committed union. Building a family is also a way to populate the human race. An arranged marriage is when a union is organized by the parents of the couple. It is not a requirement of the Muslim religion, but parents are encouraged to find good spouses for their children. Many Muslim women participate in arranged marriages, but have to give consent to a union; they can also reject potential spouses. They are allowed to meet their potential husbands before getting married, but cannot be left alone with him.
  
  

Virgin Brides

• The assumption is that Muslim women are virgins on their wedding night, unless this is her second marriage. The couple cannot engage in pre-marital sex or move in together. In the past, women had to prove their virginity by visiting a clinic; however, many Muslims have steered away from that practice. If a Muslim woman chooses to lie about being a virgin, then she will have to face Allah on Judgment Day.
  
  

Behavior in Marriage

• A true Muslim wife is respectful, supportive, cleans the home and wants to make her husband happy. She is eager to please and obedient. She cleans the home and prepares meals without complaining. Muslim women are also supportive of their husbands emotionally, and take care of their physical needs. She will not make any decisions about groceries, the children, daily life, speech, schedule social visits and dress without her husband's approval. Muslim husbands are expected to receive this type of treatment as long as they do not commit any sins, such as infidelity, or if they stop providing for the family.
  
  

Bearing Children

• Islam encourages young people to marry and have children early, but only if you can provide for your family. If a Muslim husband wants a child, then the wife has to stop taking birth control and bear children for him. It is frowned upon in the Muslim culture for women to have children out of wedlock.