For thousands of years, the holy books have spoken about marriage. Here is what eight traditions say, in their own words. They speak of two lives joined as one, of kindness, and of staying true. Each quote is copied exactly from the book.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Love thy wife as thyself; honour her more than thyself. He who lives unmarried, lives without joy. If thy wife is small, bend down to her and whisper in her ear.
21 And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmeets from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.
Abu Hurairah said, The Messenger of Allâh, peace and blessings of Allâh be on him, said: "The most perfect of the believers in faith is the best of them in moral excellence, and the best of you are the kindest of you to their wives."
36 I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband.
101. 'Let mutual fidelity continue until death,' this may be considered as the summary of the highest law for husband and wife. 102. Let man and woman, united in marriage, constantly exert themselves, that (they may not be) disunited (and) may not violate their mutual fidelity.
In these five respects, Gahapati, the husband should minister to his wife, who is as the West quarter: he should treat her with respectful attention; his language to her should be courteous and affectionate; he should not illicitly consort with other women; should cause her to be honoured by others, and furnish her with suitable ornaments and apparel. In these five modes the husband should minister to his wife who is as the West quarter.
It is said in the Book of Poetry, "Happy union with wife and children is like the music of lutes and harps. When there is concord among brethren, the harmony is delightful and enduring. Thus may you regulate your family, and enjoy the pleasure of your wife and children."
They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. They alone are called husband and wife, who have one light in two bodies.
5. (Zarathushtra): Teachings address I to maidens marrying, and to you (bridegrooms) giving counsel. Lay them to heart and learn to get them within your Selves in earnest attention to the Life of Good Thought. Let each of you strive to excel the other in the Right, for it will be a prize for that one.
Every quote on this page is checked word for word against the stored text of its book.