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The question

Are strong desires that destroy their possessor a trial, and why isn't the trial with something not shameful?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

It is not wise to consider natural desires as negative, such as the need for food, drink, and marriage. These are physical and psychological needs that serve great benefits and wisdom. Rather, one should thank Allah for the blessings of health and well-being, which allow a person to enjoy permissible things, as many are deprived of them. Early marriage is not a defect; rather, it is a source of tranquility, affection, and independence. If customs do not encourage it, why don't we initiate it?

The soul that incites evil (an-nafs al-ammarah bi as-soo') is what transforms a blessing into a curse. Whereas, in reality, permissible things can be transformed into acts of obedience with sincere intention, as in the Hadith, "And in the sexual act of one of you there is charity." So, intercourse can be an act of worship with the intention of fulfilling the wife's right, or seeking righteous offspring, or keeping oneself chaste.

A Muslim can consider their daily life as an act of obedience to Allah, with the intention of building a righteous family, gaining strength for good deeds through their food and drink, and disciplining themselves. Permissible acts are transformed into acts of obedience and closeness [to Allah] with a sincere intention, such as spending on one's wife seeking the pleasure of Allah, and sleeping with the intention of resting for worship or work.

In summary: Physical strength is a true blessing if directed towards the permissible and utilized in obedience to Allah with a sincere intention; otherwise, it is a curse that necessitates repentance. There is no harm in informing parents of the desire to marry when a suitable partner is available.

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

Read the full answer on Ftawy