Social Disintegration and Marriages Based on Shirk

In Islam, the Qur'an—the only source Muslims are required to follow—aims to guide both individual and social life. However, throughout history, a mindset shaped by hadiths and traditional sectarian interpretations, rather than the essence of the Qur'an, has led to deep problems, especially in relations between men and women. This article addresses marriages based on shirk, the social position of women, and the resulting increase in divorce rates.
The Qur'an regards love and mercy between spouses as a sign of Allah and recommends that marriages be established with the intention of seeking His رضا:
> “And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who reflect.” (Rum, 21)
However, when marriages—both in Islamic societies and in the West—are built upon self-interest and worldly expectations, this love and mercy are replaced by conflict. The traditional male mindset often views women as servants, child-rearers, or merely as means to satisfy physical needs. Women, lacking economic independence, have been forced to live dependent on men for survival. This turns the relationship into a transaction rather than a bond based on love, making genuine companionship impossible.
> “They invoke besides Him none but female deities, and they invoke none but a rebellious devil.” (Nisa, 117)
In many Islamic societies, the social status of women has largely been shaped by hadiths and sectarian interpretations. These interpretations often portray women as deficient in intellect and religion, and as figures who lead men astray. This perception has led to women being excluded from social life, deprived of education, and even prevented from acts of worship during menstruation—resulting in various forms of discrimination.
Men raised within this mindset struggle to show respect to their wives. In an environment lacking love and compassion, women are often forced into submission out of necessity. Although the Qur'an views men and women as equal individuals, such superstitions have hindered women’s emancipation.
In Western societies, women gaining economic independence has contributed to rising divorce rates. This is because an independent woman is less willing to remain in a relationship where she is disrespected or unloved. A similar trend is observed in societies like Turkey, which are gradually moving away from traditional structures.
> “Do not marry polytheistic women until they believe… Nor give your women in marriage to polytheistic men until they believe… They invite to the Fire, while Allah invites to Paradise and forgiveness by His permission…” (Baqarah, 221)
While the Qur'an advocates for faith-based marriages, modern societies have increasingly moved toward interest-based unions. As women free themselves from oppressive traditions, they begin to resist such relationships. However, this transformation has also contributed to the weakening of the family institution in both Eastern and Western societies.
To prevent social disintegration and establish healthy marriages, it is necessary to return to the Islam of the Qur'an. This understanding recognizes men and women as equal individuals and bases their relationship on love, respect, and seeking Allah’s رضا. It is essential to abandon traditional superstitions, eliminate gender discrimination, and grant women the respect they deserve.
An understanding of Islam rooted in the Qur'an—where individuals love Allah and love one another for His sake, where men and women are seen as equal without discrimination—must be conveyed to society.
At the core of the problems within the institution of marriage lies the prioritization of worldly interests over seeking Allah’s pleasure. This leads to the degradation of women and reduces marriage to a mere economic arrangement. The guidance of the Qur'an envisions a society where men and women are equal, and where love and mercy are fundamental. However, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to abandon traditional, superstition-filled understandings and return to the essence of Islam by accepting the sufficiency of the Qur'an.