What is meant by "al-ba'ah" in the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "O young people, whoever among you can afford al-ba'ah, let him marry"? Is it the dowry, or the ability to spend after marriage, or both? And what is the description of fasting for one who cannot afford al-ba'ah?

It has been previously explained that al-ba'ah (the means to marriage) includes the ability to engage in intercourse and the financial means for marriage (the mahr and maintenance). Proceeding with marriage for someone who possesses the mahr but not the maintenance is the view of the Shafi'is and Hanbalis. As for one who is unable to marry, he should fast to the extent that he achieves chastity, and there is no harm in fasting a specific number of days weekly as long as he does not believe it to be a Sunnah.