Is it permissible to refuse marriage for fear of not being able to bear responsibility and obey the husband, or for fear of ill-treatment and injustice, and is one sinful for disliking the advice that a woman should obey her husband?
Marriage is a recommended and desirable act in Islamic law. One should not abstain from it unless there is a valid justification. It becomes obligatory for someone who fears falling into sin if they are able to marry. A wife's obedience to her husband in what is good and lawful is obligatory. Disliking what has been brought by the Shari'ah (Islamic law) is an act of disbelief if it pertains to the legal ruling itself. However, a natural dislike, combined with acceptance and submission to the ruling, carries no blame. The husband's qawamah (guardianship/headship) means looking after the family's interests with mercy and kindness, and it does not imply domination. Furthermore, the fundamental principle is that no one is held accountable for another's wrongdoing. It is advised not to abandon marriage due to its immense benefits.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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