Why didn't Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah marry, and does a lack of desire for marriage constitute a violation of Sharia?
The ruling on marriage varies depending on a person's situation, ranging from obligatory, recommended, permissible, disliked, to forbidden. Marriage is obligatory for someone who fears committing zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) and is able to marry. It is recommended for someone who has desire but does not fear committing zina. It is permissible for someone who does not need it due to lack of desire. It is disliked for someone who has no desire for it, or who would be diverted from worship by it, or who lacks the means (to support a family). It is forbidden for someone who is unable to have intercourse or provide maintenance, or who would harm the woman. As for Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah not marrying, the reason is unknown. It could be due to his intense preoccupation with knowledge, da'wah (preaching), jihad, and the tribulations he faced, such as imprisonment and exile. He is not the only scholar who did not marry.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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