The virtue of hastening to marriage

Question: What do you advise a young man to do if he cannot afford to marry, and if he does not marry?

Answer: First, he must fear Allah and guard against the evil of his own soul, lest he fall into the forbidden major sins. He should seek Allah’s help in preserving his chastity and protecting his private parts. This includes seeking help through fasting, fasting as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever among you can afford the means of marriage, let him marry, and let his father and brothers hasten to help him, and so should others. If he cannot afford to marry, and marriage is not made easy for him, let him fear Allah, ask his Lord for help, and guard against the whispers of Satan in satisfying his desire in what Allah the Mighty and Majestic has forbidden. Let him seek help through fasting, for fasting is a help, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded. He should fast and strive in the means of chastity and well-being, such as lowering the gaze from looking at women and taking care to protect his private parts. Allah will help him and grant him success if he is sincere and pure in his intention; Allah will make his affairs easy and make marriage easy for him.