✿ Written by: Shaykh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
At times, parents delay their daughter's marriage for the sake of her education, even when a proposal is being made from the boy's side, or even if no proposal has yet been finalized. However, after the girl has reached maturity, her parents postpone the marriage purely for worldly education. What is the Islamic ruling on this?
❖ Answer:
When a girl reaches the age of maturity and a suitable marriage proposal becomes available, delaying her marriage is a clear violation of the Islamic injunctions.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When someone whose religion and character you are pleased with comes to you with a marriage proposal, then marry him (to your daughter).”
[ابن ماجه، كتاب النكاح : باب الاكفاء 1967]
In further emphasizing the importance of marriage, the Prophet ﷺ also stated:
“O young people! Whoever among you has the means to marry, let him do so, for it lowers the gaze and protects the private parts.”
[بخاري، كتاب النكاح : باب قول النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من استطاع منكم الباءة فليتزوج 5065]
Muslim parents should not use academic pursuits or teaching and learning as excuses to reject or delay marriage. It is not essential for a woman to pursue higher education at the university level. What is appropriate for her is to acquire basic literacy, benefit from the Qur'an, Tafsir, and Hadith, and if further education is required, she may seek her husband's permission after marriage or set a condition for education before marriage.
In our current environment, the conditions of school, college, and university students are deeply concerning. Stories of illicit relationships have become common. Sons and daughters have drifted out of parental supervision, contributing to societal corruption. Therefore, before boys and girls fall into sinful acts, it is most appropriate—and a demand of the Shari'ah—to marry them off in a lawful manner.
Hence, delaying marriage on the pretext of education is not permissible.
❖ Marriage of a Mature Girl
❖ Question:
At times, parents delay their daughter's marriage for the sake of her education, even when a proposal is being made from the boy's side, or even if no proposal has yet been finalized. However, after the girl has reached maturity, her parents postpone the marriage purely for worldly education. What is the Islamic ruling on this?
❖ Answer:
When a girl reaches the age of maturity and a suitable marriage proposal becomes available, delaying her marriage is a clear violation of the Islamic injunctions.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When someone whose religion and character you are pleased with comes to you with a marriage proposal, then marry him (to your daughter).”
[ابن ماجه، كتاب النكاح : باب الاكفاء 1967]
In further emphasizing the importance of marriage, the Prophet ﷺ also stated:
“O young people! Whoever among you has the means to marry, let him do so, for it lowers the gaze and protects the private parts.”
[بخاري، كتاب النكاح : باب قول النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من استطاع منكم الباءة فليتزوج 5065]
Muslim parents should not use academic pursuits or teaching and learning as excuses to reject or delay marriage. It is not essential for a woman to pursue higher education at the university level. What is appropriate for her is to acquire basic literacy, benefit from the Qur'an, Tafsir, and Hadith, and if further education is required, she may seek her husband's permission after marriage or set a condition for education before marriage.
In our current environment, the conditions of school, college, and university students are deeply concerning. Stories of illicit relationships have become common. Sons and daughters have drifted out of parental supervision, contributing to societal corruption. Therefore, before boys and girls fall into sinful acts, it is most appropriate—and a demand of the Shari'ah—to marry them off in a lawful manner.
Hence, delaying marriage on the pretext of education is not permissible.
