Why Are Young People Afraid of Marriage?
Amid the rapid changes sweeping across
the world, marriage has not been immune to the winds of change and the
uncertainties of life. The family ship now faces successive waves of economic
pressure, social transformation, and psychological challenges, alongside the
growing influence of social media and digital algorithms. At times, these
platforms amplify people’s fears and
portray marital relationships in a bleak light, causing young people to
hesitate before embarking on marriage or to fear the experience altogether.
In the Islamic understanding, marriage
is a solemn covenant, a source of tranquility for the soul, and a relationship
of affection and mercy between spouses. Yet it is not a journey free of
challenges, nor a promise of a perfect life without disagreements. Rather, it
is a human partnership that requires awareness, responsibility, patience, sound
judgment, and a shared determination to transform differences from sources of
conflict into opportunities for understanding and personal growth.
Allah, the Exalted, says, {And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from
among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed
between you compassion and mercy.} [Ar-Rum 30:21]
This verse establishes the philosophy
of marriage in Islam,
which is founded on tranquility, affection, and mercy—not competing for
dominance, pursuing impossible perfection, or turning every passing
disagreement into a battle that threatens the family’s stability.
How Social Media and Unrealistic
Expectations Affect Marriage
Some young people, however, have begun
to view marriage through the lens of widely circulated stories of separation,
scenes of family disputes, exaggerated wedding expenses, and inflated
expectations fueled by digital comparisons. As a result, their confidence in
the possibility of building a stable relationship declines. Fears that could be
addressed as exceptional circumstances become general assumptions that
discourage people from marrying.
This highlights the responsibility of
the media, educational and religious institutions, and families to present a
realistic and balanced picture of married life—one that neither conceals its challenges nor
exaggerates them, and that highlights successful marriages while also examining
the causes of marital difficulties.
Preparing for Marriage Before Problems Arise
Protecting the family ship begins
before setting sail, not after the storm intensifies. This requires
psychological and educational preparation for those planning to marry, open and
honest discussions about responsibilities and expectations, and the promotion
of informed decision-making when choosing a spouse.
It also requires making marriage more
accessible by easing the financial burden of dowries and wedding expenses, as
well as fostering a culture of preventing disagreements before they escalate.
Furthermore, an effective system of
family counseling and reconciliation is essential. Such a system should
safeguard rights, confront violence, and give spouses genuine opportunities to
address their problems before they reach a dead end.
Preserving the family does not mean
keeping someone in a harmful relationship or concealing violence in the name of
stability. A successful marriage must be built on justice, respect, and
security. Legal and social protection remain essential whenever people’s rights
are violated.
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