Authored by: Imran Ayub Lahori❖ Introduction
When a person fears falling into sin—especially into fornication (zinā)—then marriage becomes obligatory (wājib) upon him.
This is based on clear evidences from the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and scholarly consensus.
❖ The Prohibition of Fornication and Its Causes
Allah ﷻ says:"Do not go near fornication."
(Al-Isrā’: 32)
This verse not only prohibits zinā but also anything that leads to it.
Likewise, it is supported by authentic ḥadīths:(Muslim: 107, 1897)
Moreover, there is unanimous consensus (ijmāʿ) on the prohibition of zinā.
(Mawsūʿat al-Ijmāʿ fī al-Fiqh al-Islāmī: 1/320)
❖ Legal Principle: When an Act Is the Only Means to Fulfill an Obligation
Since avoiding ḥarām is wājib (obligatory), and if this avoidance can only be achieved through marriage,
then marriage itself becomes wājib for such a person.
This is based on the principle:
“That which is necessary to fulfill a wājib is also wājib.”
Accordingly, all the evidences used to support the obligation of marriage must be understood in this context.
❖ Evidences Indicating the Obligation or Strong Recommendation of Marriage
➊ "Marry those women who please you."
(Al-Nisā’: 3)
➋ "Marry the unmarried among you."
(Al-Nūr: 32)
❖ Ḥadīths Emphasizing the Sunnah and Importance of Marriage
Narrated by ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Marriage is part of my Sunnah, and whoever does not follow my Sunnah is not from me.
Marry, for I will boast of your numbers before other nations."
(Ḥasan — Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Mājah: 1496; Ibn Mājah: 1846; Kitāb al-Nikāḥ)
❖ Reprimand of Those Who Avoid Marriage
Three men came and considered the Prophet’s ﷺ worship to be insufficient. One of them vowed not to marry.
When the Prophet ﷺ heard of it, he said:
"I marry women.
So whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me."
(Bukhārī: 5063, Kitāb al-Nikāḥ; Muslim: 1401; Nasā’ī: 6/20; Aḥmad: 3/241; Ibn Ḥibbān: 14; Bayhaqī: 7/77)
Conclusion:
✔ If a person fears falling into sin due to remaining unmarried, then marriage becomes obligatory upon him.
✔ Zinā and all paths leading to it are ḥarām, and to protect oneself, marriage must be pursued if possible.
✔ Avoiding marriage without a valid Sharʿī excuse is blameworthy and contrary to the Sunnah.
✔ The Prophet ﷺ not only encouraged marriage but linked it directly to his Sunnah, making it a path of righteousness and protection.
