What is meant by "whoever is able" in the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) hadith that encourages young people to marry?
Scholars have differed on the meaning of "al-ba'ah" in the noble Hadith: "O young people, whoever among you can afford al-ba'ah, let him marry." There are two opinions:
The first: It refers to the ability to bear the expenses and costs of marriage. The second: It refers to the ability to engage in sexual intercourse. There is no contradiction between the two opinions, for the intended meaning is: whoever can engage in sexual intercourse due to his ability to bear the expenses of marriage, let him marry. And whoever cannot, then let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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