Back to search

What is the ruling on one who does not consider marriage obligatory?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Marriage is subject to the five legal rulings:

Obligatory (Wajib): For one who is capable of it, desires it, and fears falling into sin (fornication). Al-Qurtubi said: "The capable person who fears harm to himself and his religion from celibacy, and this harm will not be removed except through marriage, there is no disagreement regarding the obligation of marriage upon him." Recommended (Mustahabb): For one who desires it and is capable of it, and is secure from falling into the forbidden. Forbidden (Haraam): For one who would fail to uphold the wife's rights regarding intercourse and maintenance, while lacking the ability to do so and not desiring it, unless the wife is aware of this and consents to it. Al-Qurtubi said: "Whenever the husband knows that he is unable to provide for his wife's maintenance, or her dowry, or any of her obligatory rights upon him, it is not permissible for him to marry her until he clarifies this to her, or he knows within himself the ability to fulfill her rights." Disliked (Makrooh): For one who would neglect the wife's rights regarding intercourse and maintenance in a way that does not cause significant harm, such as if she is wealthy and does not strongly desire intercourse. This dislike intensifies if it leads to abandoning acts of worship or seeking knowledge. Permissible (Mubah): If the impediments are absent and the strong motivations are also absent.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy