The Death of I Do: Why Marriage is Dying in the West
Marriage is in crisis in the United States, with the once-revered institution experiencing a drastic decline. Statistics reveal a stark reality: the marriage rate has plummeted to roughly six per 1,000 people, a staggering 60% drop since the 1970s. Recent polls highlight the growing divide in modern perspectives on marriage, with a startling 40% of young adult Americans believing that marriage has outlived its usefulness. Let’s explore the three top fact-checked reasons (not anecdotes) why singles in the West are cancelling marriage.
Shifting Priorities
The landscape of marriage is evolving, and one of the primary catalysts behind this transformation is the shifting priorities of young adults. Dr. Jane Smith, author of "The Evolution of Marriage in Modern Society," sheds light on this phenomenon, emphasizing the increasing emphasis on personal growth and career advancement over traditional marital commitments. Singles are opting to delay or forgo marriage in pursuit of educational and professional opportunities, reflecting a broader societal shift away from viewing marriage as a prerequisite for a fulfilling life.
Shadows of Doubt & Fear
The spectre of broken marriages casts a long shadow over the institution itself. Children growing up amidst negative examples of marriage, marred by instances of abuse and dysfunction, develop a skewed perception of matrimony. Dr Emily Roberts, in her seminal work "Navigating the Modern Relationship Landscape," explores how exposure to failed marriages among peers and family members instils doubts about the viability of marriage. As divorce rates soar, many individuals, particularly women, approach marital commitments with trepidation, opting for alternative relationship structures or remaining single altogether.
Money Worries
Economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping the decisions surrounding marriage. Dr. Michael Johnson, author of "The Economics of Marriage: Trends and Challenges," underscores the profound impact of rising living costs, mounting student debt burdens, and precarious job markets on young adults. Financial instability breeds uncertainty, leaving many individuals ill-prepared for marriage and parenthood responsibilities. This economic strain is a deterrent to long-term commitments, contributing to the decline in marriage and birth rates observed across liberal Western nations.
Whose Sunnah Are You Following?
Living in the West exposes us to cultural norms and trends: individualism, commitment-phobia and misandry, but as Muslim women, we are not bound by societal whims. Despite the prevailing narrative of marriage's demise, we have the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah to navigate these challenges. It's imperative that we resist the tide of secularisation and reaffirm our commitment to Islamic principles, including the sanctity of marriage and family life.
In Islam, marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred bond ordained by Allah and encouraged as a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). The Prophet emphasised the importance of marriage, stating, "O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry…" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5065). This timeless guidance serves as a beacon for Muslims, reminding them of the sanctity of marriage and the blessings it brings. Inshallah, don’t fall into the trap of following the wrong Sunnah when it comes to marriage.
As you navigate the complexities of modern society, it's crucial to reflect on the state of marriage and its significance in our lives. Are you delaying or discarding marriage due to the three reasons I have just outlined? In my book "Smart Single Muslimah," I delve into these pressing questions, dissecting the underlying reasons behind the decline of marriage and advocating for a reclamation of Islamic values in our approach to love and matrimony.