Is refusing to marry unlawful due to the fear of falling short in honoring one's parents, especially with the practical and financial obligations towards the family?

The basic ruling is that marriage is recommendable and encouraged in Sharia, and one should not refrain from it without justification. However, abandoning it is permissible and not forbidden, except for someone who fears falling into the forbidden (haram); in such a case, marriage becomes obligatory. The woman in this ruling is like the man.

If the questioner does not fear falling into the forbidden, there is no blame upon her for not marrying in order to care for her mother.

The questioner is advised not to delay marriage due to the great benefits it entails and so that she does not lose her opportunities. She can combine marriage with assisting her mother.