Some scholars leaving marriage and the response to those who cite them as evidence

Question:
Some young men justify remaining single to themselves by citing the fact that some pious scholars left marriage, such as Bishr al-Hafi, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, and Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. What is the response to such an argument?

Answer:
Jihad was prescribed for Ibn Taymiyyah because his time was a time of jihad, of hardships, and of imprisonment; he was imprisoned more often than he had the opportunity to marry, 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-Hafi, this is a point taken against them; this is one of the criticisms leveled against the Sufis. This resembles the monasticism of the Christians. Marriage is an act of worship. If you want the reward and the recompense, then marriage is an act of worship, my brother. Just as you fast and pray, you marry.