The Ruling on a Girl Refusing Marriage on the Pretext of Seeking Knowledge
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Question:
The questioner, who used the initials (A. A. A.) for her name, says: A girl says that she does not want to marry, even though she is twenty-two years old. She wants to complete her education, deepen her understanding of her religion, and learn the sacred knowledge. Is that permissible for her, O Shaykh?
Answer:
It is the Sunnah for her to marry, because leaving off marriage carries danger. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Mishkat al-Masabih 3080 This applies to both men and women; everyone is commanded to do so, because of the protection of the private parts, lowering the gaze, and the attainment of offspring who worship Allah. So the believer strives to seek marriage, and the believing woman likewise when a suitable suitor comes. Along with this, she must strive in the various types of good deeds, just as the man does. As for leaving off marriage, that is not befitting. Rather, it is prescribed for her to accept whoever proposes to her, and her guardian should strive to facilitate good husbands for her. If her guardian proposes a righteous, good husband for her, that is good.
However, if she is patient until she completes her university studies, there is no blame on her, provided there is no fear for her. If she does not fear evil from the aspect of desire, and she does not fear fitnah, there is nothing wrong with her completing her studies. But for her to leave off marriage entirely, that is never befitting. Rather, it is the Sunnah for her to strive for marriage, and if a suitable suitor proposes to her, she should not reject him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1084Da'if (Darussalam).
When Hafsa was widowed by the death of her husband—Hafsa bint 'Umar—'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) offered her to 'Uthman and to al-Siddiq Abu Bakr, saying: "If you wish, I will marry you to Hafsa..." Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) proposed to her and married her.
So if the guardian strives for his daughter or sister among good people, there is no blame. And if a suitable suitor proposes to her, she should not reject him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade asceticism, which is leaving off marriage. Asceticism is an act of worship; because a person is in danger if he leaves it off. Marriage may lead to being afflicted with what Allah has forbidden. We ask Allah for safety. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, O Your Eminence.
The questioner, who used the initials (A. A. A.) for her name, says: A girl says that she does not want to marry, even though she is twenty-two years old. She wants to complete her education, deepen her understanding of her religion, and learn the sacred knowledge. Is that permissible for her, O Shaykh?
Answer:
It is the Sunnah for her to marry, because leaving off marriage carries danger. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Young man, those of you who can support a wife should marry, for it keeps you from looking at strange women and preserves you from immorality; but those who cannot should devote themselves to fasting, for it is a means of suppressing sexual desire.
يا معشر الشباب! من استطاع منكم الباءة فليتزوج، فإنه أغض للبصر وأحصن للفرج، ومن لم يستطع فعليه بالصوم فإنه له وجاءHowever, if she is patient until she completes her university studies, there is no blame on her, provided there is no fear for her. If she does not fear evil from the aspect of desire, and she does not fear fitnah, there is nothing wrong with her completing her studies. But for her to leave off marriage entirely, that is never befitting. Rather, it is the Sunnah for her to strive for marriage, and if a suitable suitor proposes to her, she should not reject him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
When someone whose religion and character you are pleased with proposes to (someone under the care) of one of you, then marry to him. If you do not do so, then there will be turmoil (Fitnah) in the land and abounding discord (Fasad).
إذا خطب إليكم من ترضون دينه وخلقه فزوجوه، إلا تفعلوه تكن فتنة في الأرض وفساد كبيرWhen Hafsa was widowed by the death of her husband—Hafsa bint 'Umar—'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) offered her to 'Uthman and to al-Siddiq Abu Bakr, saying: "If you wish, I will marry you to Hafsa..." Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) proposed to her and married her.
So if the guardian strives for his daughter or sister among good people, there is no blame. And if a suitable suitor proposes to her, she should not reject him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade asceticism, which is leaving off marriage. Asceticism is an act of worship; because a person is in danger if he leaves it off. Marriage may lead to being afflicted with what Allah has forbidden. We ask Allah for safety. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, O Your Eminence.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.