Fornication is forbidden for Muslims. Muslim men and women are not allowed to have sex before marriage.

This encourages Muslims to get married as soon as possible and to raise large families.

An Islamic marriage contract, a Nikah, is drafted and signed. And then it is Halal to start a family together in holy matrimony.

Traditionally, a dowry is paid directly to the bride, a Mahr. This can be money or some other gift, such as a down payment for a Shariah home loan which has no interest.

Divorce is also permitted, women have rights under Islamic law and there are expectations of the husband. A Muslim man must be sober, disciplined, and loyal to his wife.

The Islamic way is to go straight to marriage with the consent of her family, especially her father.

The bride is paid a dowry directly and a special marriage contract called a nikah is signed by all parties involved.

Both families are held morally accountable to each other for the success and longevity of the marriage.