Is it obligatory for men to marry?

The ruling on marriage varies according to men's situations. Marriage is obligatory for one who is able to afford it and yearns for it, and fears falling into forbidden acts, because preserving oneself and keeping oneself chaste is an obligation that can only be fulfilled through marriage. Al-Qurtubi said: "The able person who fears harm to himself and his religion from celibacy, and that will not be removed from him except by marriage, there is no disagreement regarding the obligation of marriage upon him." Al-Mardawi said: "The third category: whoever fears hardship, marriage in his case is obligatory." If one yearns for marriage but is unable to afford its expenses, he should strive for chastity and frequently fast, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "O young men, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps lower the gaze and guards one's chastity. And whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him." Marriage is also obligatory for one who commits sins – even by merely looking or kissing – if he remains unmarried. If a man or woman knows or strongly believes that if they do not marry, they will commit fornication or something similar, then marriage becomes obligatory upon them. The obligation of marriage in our era is even stronger and more pressing due to the prevalence of immorality and temptations.