Some of the Noble Ones Leaving Marriage and Citing It as a Precedent

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, some young men justify remaining single to themselves by citing the fact that some of the noble ones left marriage, such as Bishr al-Haafi, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, and Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. What is the response to such a claim?

The Shaykh:
Ibn Taymiyyah was occupied with jihad, for his time was one of jihad, hardships, and imprisonment; he spent most of his time in jihad, may Allah have mercy on him, because he was engaged in jihad. As for Ibn Jarir, I do not know; this is the first time I have heard that Ibn Jarir did not marry. As for Bishr al-Haafi, this is one of the points taken against them; this is among the criticisms leveled against the Sufis. This resembles the monasticism of the Christians. Yes.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh.

The Shaykh:
If you seek reward and recompense, then marriage is an act of worship, just as you fast and pray. Marry. Yes.