What you'll learn
This topic examines how Christianity and Islam understand marriage, including its religious purposes, the structure and symbolism of wedding ceremonies, and different types of marriage recognised by these faiths. You'll need to explain religious teachings on marriage, compare ceremonies between traditions, and evaluate contrasting views on marriage types for the WJEC GCSE Religious Education exam.
Key terms and definitions
Marriage — a legally recognised union between two people, considered sacred in religious contexts as a lifelong commitment before God.
Sacrament — in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, an outward sign of inward grace instituted by Christ; marriage is one of seven sacraments.
Covenant — a solemn binding agreement between individuals and God; many Christians view marriage as a covenant relationship.
Nikah — the Islamic marriage contract, which establishes rights and responsibilities between spouses under Sharia law.
Civil marriage — a non-religious wedding ceremony conducted by a registrar in approved secular venues.
Interfaith marriage — marriage between partners of different religious traditions.
Cohabitation — living together in a sexual relationship without being married.
Polygamy — the practice of having more than one spouse; specifically polygyny (one man, multiple wives) is permitted in Islam under strict conditions.
Core concepts
The purposes of marriage in Christianity
Christians believe marriage serves multiple God-given purposes rooted in biblical teaching:
Procreation — Genesis 1:28 commands "Be fruitful and increase in number." Catholic teaching particularly emphasises that marriage exists for bringing children into the world and raising them in the faith. The Church of England marriage service states that marriage was given "that children might be born and brought up in security and love."
Companionship — Genesis 2:18 records God saying "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Christians believe marriage provides mutual support, emotional intimacy and lifelong partnership. The two become "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
Expression of sexual love — Christianity teaches that sex is a gift from God, but should be reserved for marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:3 speaks of the "marital duty" spouses owe each other. The Catholic Church describes the sexual union in marriage as both unitive (bringing the couple closer together) and procreative (open to new life).
Exclusive commitment — The marriage vows promise faithfulness "forsaking all others." This reflects Christ's exclusive love for the Church. Hebrews 13:4 states "Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure."
Different Christian denominations emphasise these purposes to varying degrees. Catholics view marriage as a sacrament that cannot be dissolved, while most Protestant churches see it as a sacred covenant but allow divorce in certain circumstances.
The purposes of marriage in Islam
Muslims understand marriage (nikah) as both a religious duty and a legal contract:
Fulfilling religious obligation — The Prophet Muhammad said "Marriage is part of my sunnah, and whoever does not follow my sunnah has nothing to do with me" (Hadith). Marriage is considered half of one's faith because it helps Muslims fulfil their religious duties.
Legitimising sexual relations — Islam prohibits sex outside marriage (zina), which is considered a major sin. Marriage provides the lawful framework for sexual intimacy and satisfying natural desires in a halal (permissible) way.
Procreation and family — Having children within marriage continues the Muslim ummah (community). Children born within marriage have clear rights and inheritance under Islamic law. The Qur'an describes spouses as "garments for one another" (Surah 2:187), providing protection and comfort.
Social stability — Marriage creates family units that form the foundation of Islamic society. It provides clear roles, responsibilities and rights for both partners, reducing social problems associated with extramarital relationships.
Spiritual development — Marriage is seen as helping both partners grow closer to Allah through mutual support, patience and fulfilling duties toward each other and their family.
Unlike Christianity, marriage in Islam is not a sacrament but a legal contract (aqd) with specific rights and obligations. The mahr (dowry) and written agreement make these explicit.
Christian marriage ceremonies
Church of England service structure:
The typical Anglican wedding follows this pattern:
- Introduction and declarations — The priest explains marriage purposes and asks if anyone knows lawful impediments to the marriage
- The vows — Couple exchange promises: "to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death us do part"
- Exchange of rings — Rings symbolise unending love and faithfulness: "With this ring I thee wed, with my body I honour you"
- Proclamation — Priest declares "I pronounce that they be man and wife together"
- Prayers and blessing — Includes the Lord's Prayer and blessings for the couple's future
- Signing the register — Legal requirement, making the marriage official under UK law
- Hymns and readings — Often include 1 Corinthians 13 (love chapter) or Genesis creation account
Symbolism: The ceremony takes place in a church to show God's presence, before a congregation of witnesses. White clothing symbolises purity, flowers represent new life, and candles may be lit to represent Christ as "light of the world."
Catholic differences: The Nuptial Mass includes Holy Communion, emphasising marriage as a sacrament. Catholics must marry in a Catholic church for the marriage to be valid, and both partners must be baptised Christians (or receive special dispensation).
Non-conformist variations: Baptist and Methodist weddings are similar but may have less liturgical structure and focus more on biblical teaching about marriage. Quaker weddings have no priest; couples marry each other before God and the meeting.
Islamic marriage ceremonies (Nikah)
The Islamic marriage ceremony is simpler and focuses on the legal contract:
Essential elements:
Offer and acceptance (Ijab-e-Qubul) — The bride and groom (or their representatives) must clearly consent to the marriage. Both must say "I accept" three times before witnesses.
Witnesses (Shahada) — At least two adult Muslim witnesses must be present to verify the marriage contract.
Mahr (dowry) — The groom must provide a gift to the bride (money, property or valuables). This becomes her property and represents her financial security. The amount is agreed beforehand and written in the contract.
Khutbah (sermon) — An imam gives a sermon about marriage in Islam, often citing Qur'anic verses about spousal rights and responsibilities.
Signing the contract — Both parties sign the nikah contract, which may include specific conditions (e.g., bride's right to work, educational opportunities).
Du'a (prayers) — Blessings are asked for the couple's future together.
Setting: Nikah ceremonies can occur in a mosque, home or any suitable location. The walimah (wedding feast) follows, which the Prophet Muhammad encouraged.
Cultural variations: While the religious requirements remain constant, cultural practices vary. Pakistani Muslims might include mehndi (henna) ceremonies, while Arab Muslims may have different traditional celebrations. The nikah itself remains a simple, contract-based ceremony.
Civil requirements in the UK: Muslims must also register their marriage with civil authorities to ensure legal recognition. Some mosques are registered for legal marriages; otherwise, couples attend a register office separately.
Different types of marriage
Civil marriage — Non-religious ceremonies conducted by registrars in register offices or licensed venues (hotels, stately homes). Many Christians accept civil marriage as valid, though Catholics require a church ceremony. Most Muslims view civil marriage as the legal requirement but not sufficient without nikah.
Religious marriage — Conducted according to faith traditions with religious content, vows and settings. These must meet legal requirements (authorised person present, proper venue) to be legally valid in the UK.
Interfaith marriage — When partners come from different religions. Catholic Church discourages this, requiring the Catholic partner to promise to raise children Catholic. Many Protestant churches allow interfaith marriages with pastoral guidance. Islam permits Muslim men to marry Christian or Jewish women (People of the Book), but traditionally prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men, though practices vary.
Same-sex marriage — Legal in the UK since 2013. The Church of England and Catholic Church do not conduct same-sex marriages, viewing marriage as between one man and one woman based on biblical teaching. Some liberal Protestant denominations (Quakers, Unitarians, Metropolitan Community Church) do bless or conduct same-sex marriages. Islam does not recognise same-sex marriage.
Polygamous marriage — Islam permits a man to marry up to four wives if he can treat them equally (Surah 4:3), though this is illegal in the UK. Christianity teaches monogamy as God's intention from creation (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6).
Remarriage after divorce — Protestant churches generally allow remarriage after divorce, viewing marriage as breakable in cases of adultery or abandonment. Catholic Church does not recognise divorce; previous marriages can only be dissolved through annulment (declaration the marriage was never valid). Islam permits divorce and remarriage, with specific procedures (talaq, khula) under Sharia law.
Worked examples
Question 1: Explain two purposes of marriage in Christianity. [4 marks]
Model answer: One purpose of marriage is procreation. Christians believe God commanded humans to "be fruitful and increase in number" (Genesis 1:28), so marriage provides the proper context for having children who can be raised in the Christian faith.
Another purpose is companionship. In Genesis 2:18, God said "It is not good for the man to be alone," so Christians believe marriage provides lifelong partnership where two people become "one flesh" and support each other through life.
Examiner comment: Each purpose is clearly stated with biblical support, showing religious understanding. Two marks per purpose (statement + development).
Question 2: "The most important purpose of marriage is to have children." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15 marks]
Model answer structure:
Arguments agreeing (AO2):
- Catholics emphasise procreation as primary purpose, with contraception officially opposed
- Genesis 1:28 command makes children central to God's plan for marriage
- Islamic teaching values children continuing the ummah
- Biological and social purposes of marriage historically centred on reproduction
Arguments disagreeing (AO2):
- Companionship equally important — Genesis 2:18 shows relationship value
- Many Christian couples marry knowing they cannot or choose not to have children (elderly, infertile couples)
- Jesus never mentioned procreation when discussing marriage (Matthew 19)
- Unitive aspect of marriage (bringing couple together) has intrinsic value
- Some Christians argue expressing sexual love faithfully within marriage is equally important
Evaluation and justified conclusion: While procreation remains important in religious teaching, particularly Catholicism, reducing marriage solely to reproduction ignores other biblical purposes. The companionship and mutual support marriage provides has value regardless of children. However, religious traditions do emphasise that openness to children should be part of marriage where possible. Overall, marriage serves multiple purposes that work together, rather than having one "most important" purpose.
Examiner comment: Needs substantiated arguments both ways (AO2), reference to religious sources, and a reasoned personal conclusion for top level marks.
Question 3: Describe the main features of an Islamic marriage ceremony (nikah). [5 marks]
Model answer: The nikah ceremony includes several essential features. First, both bride and groom must give clear consent by saying "I accept" three times, known as Ijab-e-Qubul (1 mark). Second, at least two adult Muslim witnesses must be present to verify the marriage (1 mark). Third, the groom provides mahr, which is a dowry of money or property that becomes the bride's own possession (1 mark). The couple signs a marriage contract that specifies their rights and responsibilities (1 mark). An imam usually gives a khutbah sermon with teachings about marriage from the Qur'an and Hadith (1 mark).
Examiner comment: Five distinct features clearly described. Could include other valid features like du'a prayers or walimah feast.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: Describing marriage ceremonies with vague personal opinions ("people wear nice clothes" or "the bride looks beautiful") rather than religious significance. Correction: Focus on specific religious elements with terminology — "the exchange of rings symbolises the unbroken circle of commitment" or "the nikah contract specifies mahr as the bride's financial security under Islamic law."
Mistake: Confusing Catholic and Protestant views on marriage, particularly treating all Christianity as viewing marriage as a sacrament. Correction: Specify denominations clearly. Catholics and Orthodox view marriage as a sacrament; most Protestant churches view it as a covenant or sacred ordinance but not a sacrament in the same sense.
Mistake: Stating that Islam requires mosque weddings or that imams conduct the marriage. Correction: The nikah is a contract between bride and groom before witnesses; it can occur anywhere. An imam typically gives a sermon but is not essential for validity. The couple marry each other.
Mistake: Claiming all Christians oppose same-sex marriage or interfaith marriage absolutely. Correction: Views vary by denomination. Specify "the Catholic Church and Church of England do not conduct same-sex marriages, but Quakers and some liberal Protestant churches do" for accuracy.
Mistake: Writing that Muslims can marry four wives "if they want to" without explaining the Qur'anic conditions and UK legal context. Correction: Surah 4:3 permits up to four wives only if the husband can treat them with complete equality, which many Muslims argue is practically impossible. Polygamy is illegal in the UK, so British Muslims practice monogamy under civil law.
Mistake: Failing to provide specific religious teachings or quotations when questions ask you to "refer to religion and belief." Correction: Include at least one biblical verse or Qur'anic reference per paragraph in evaluation questions, with the source (e.g., "Genesis 2:24" or "Surah 2:187").
Exam technique for marriage beliefs and ceremonies
Command word recognition:
- "Describe" (5 marks) — Give clear factual account with specific features or characteristics. Five distinct points or fewer points with development.
- "Explain" (4 marks) — Show understanding with reasons or development. Usually two points worth two marks each (statement + explanation/example).
- "Discuss" or "Evaluate" (15 marks) — Present arguments for different viewpoints, include religious teachings, reach justified conclusion. Use AO1 (knowledge) and AO2 (analysis/evaluation) together.
Structure for evaluation questions: Spend 12-15 minutes on 15-mark questions. Write 3-4 paragraphs presenting different views with religious support, then a concluding paragraph giving your reasoned judgement. Top level marks require "well-developed line of reasoning, coherent, logical and comprehensive" — this means your conclusion must follow from the arguments you've made, not just state an opinion.
Using religious terminology: Include specific terms like sacrament, covenant, nikah, mahr, Ijab-e-Qubul naturally in answers. This demonstrates higher-level religious understanding. Define terms briefly if using them for the first time.
Comparative points: Questions may ask about Christianity and Islam together. Structure comparisons clearly: "Christians believe... because [teaching], whereas Muslims believe... because [teaching]." Highlight similarities (both view marriage as sacred, lifelong) and differences (sacrament vs contract, polygamy permission).
Quick revision summary
Marriage in Christianity serves purposes including procreation (Genesis 1:28), companionship (Genesis 2:18), and expressing sexual love within God's design. Catholics view it as a sacrament; Protestants as a covenant. Church weddings include vows, ring exchange and proclamation. Islam views marriage (nikah) as fulfilling religious duty and legitimising relationships. The ceremony requires consent (Ijab-e-Qubul), witnesses, mahr dowry and contract signing. Different marriage types exist: civil, religious, interfaith (with restrictions), same-sex (Christians divided; Muslims oppose), and remarriage after divorce (accepted by Protestants and Muslims; Catholics require annulment). Know specific ceremonies, purposes and denominational differences for exam success.