What are the opinions of the four schools of thought on the ruling of borrowing money for marriage for one who does not possess wealth?
Marriage is obligatory for one who fears falling into the unlawful (haram), and it is recommended for one who needs it but does not fear falling into the unlawful. Many scholars have held that it is recommended to borrow money for marriage for one who does not possess it. In the Hanafi school, borrowing for marriage is encouraged, with Allah guaranteeing repayment for one who intends chastity. In the Shafi'i school, marriage is recommended for one who can afford its expenses; if one cannot, fasting is recommended. If fasting does not subdue one's desire, then one should marry, even by borrowing. In the Hanbali school, there is a divergence of opinions regarding the permissibility of a poor person borrowing for marriage: some restrict it to necessity, while others permit it. We have not found the opinion of the Maliki school on this matter.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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