On delaying the marriage of a young woman until completion of high school or university education.
Question:
There is a widespread custom of a young woman or her father refusing those who propose to her until she has completed her high school or university education, or so that she may study for a number of years. What is the ruling on that? And what is your advice to those who do so, so that the young women might reach the age of thirty or more without marrying?
Answer:
My advice to all young men and women is to marry without delay and to hasten to it, if conditions permit, as the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi was salaam said:
'O you young men! Those among you who have the means and the ability should marry, because it restrains the eyes (from evil glances) and preserves the private parts (from immorality). And whoever is unable to do so, should fast because it is a protection for him.' (Al-Bukhari no. 5066 and Muslim no. 1400)
And he sallallaahu alayhi was salaam said:
'If one whose religion and character pleases you proposes to you, then marry (your daughter to) him. If you do not do so, it will be a cause of trial in the land and great corruption.' (At-Tirmithi no. 1084)
Narrated by At-Tirmithi with a Hasan chain of narrators.
And he sallallaahu alayhi was salaam said:
'Marry productive, loving women, because I will have the largest number of followers on the Day of Resurrection.' (Abu Dawud no. 2050, An-Nasa'i no. 3229, Ahmad 3/158, 245 & Ibn Hibban no. 4028)
Narrated by Imaam Ahmad and authenticated by Ibn Hibban.
It is also necessary due to the many benefits indicated by the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi was salaam, such as averting one's gaze, protecting the private parts (from sin), increasing the size of the Muslim community, and safety from great corruption and evil consequences. May Allaah grant all of the Muslims success in attaining that wherein lies righteousness in the matter of their religion and their earthly life. Verily, He is All-Hearing, Near.
Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Fatawa Islamiyyah, Darussalam, volume 5, pages 174/175
