🧭 Preparation & choosing a spouse · #45
What is the ruling on choosing never to marry?
Remaining single out of dislike for the sunnah of marriage is blameworthy, but not marrying because of no desire, inability or particular circumstances is not sinful.
The Prophet ﷺ rebuked Companions who resolved never to marry for the sake of worship, saying: I marry women, so whoever turns away from my sunnah is not of me. However, Shafi'i scholars say that for one who has no desire and is unable, it is better not to marry and to devote oneself to worship. What matters is that chastity remains preserved. Society should also not pressure or belittle those who have not married, or do not marry, for reasonable causes.
The Prophet ﷺ rebuked Companions who resolved never to marry for the sake of worship, saying: I marry women, so whoever turns away from my sunnah is not of me. However, Shafi'i scholars say that for one who has no desire and is unable, it is better not to marry and to devote oneself to worship. What matters is that chastity remains preserved. Society should also not pressure or belittle those who have not married, or do not marry, for reasonable causes.
Differences between the schools. The Shafi'i school holds that for one without the need, devoting oneself to worship is better; the Hanafi and Hanbali schools generally see marrying as better than staying single for voluntary worship for one who is able.
Sources
Sahih al-Bukhari 5063Sahih Muslim, Kitab an-NikahSurah an-Nur 24:33