Authored by: Imran Ayub Lahori❖ Islam’s Stance on Renunciation and Avoidance of Marriage
Detachment from the world by avoiding marriage is not permissible in Islam — except in cases where a person is unable to fulfill the responsibilities and requirements of marriage.
❖ ① Prohibition of Celibacy (Tabattul) in Islam
Narrated by Samurah رضي الله عنه:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade lifelong celibacy (abstaining from marriage)."
And Qatādah رضي الله عنه recited the verse:
"And indeed We sent Messengers before you, and We gave them wives and offspring."
(Al-Raʿd: 38)
(Ṣaḥīḥ — Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Mājah: 1499; Ibn Mājah: 1849; Tirmidhī: 1082)
This proves that marriage is the way of the Prophets, and abstaining from it is contrary to the prophetic path.
❖ ② Prohibition of Monasticism for Religious Devotion
Narrated by Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ رضي الله عنه:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade ʿUthmān ibn Maẓʿūn رضي الله عنه from celibacy (tabattul).
Had the Prophet ﷺ permitted it, we would have undergone castration (to avoid marriage altogether).”
(Bukhārī: 5073, Kitāb al-Nikāḥ; Muslim: 1402; Aḥmad: 1/175; Tirmidhī: 1083; Nasā’ī: 6/58; Ibn Mājah: 1848; Dārimī: 2/133; Ibn al-Jārūd: 674; Ibn Ḥibbān: 4027)
This narration makes it explicitly clear that celibacy in the name of piety is prohibited.
❖ Exception: When Marriage Would Harm the Spouse
A person may abstain from marriage only in genuine cases where marriage would cause harm or injustice to the spouse. Examples include:
A person who lacks sexual capability — in such cases:
Marriage is not only discouraged but prohibited,Because it causes unnecessary harm to the woman.
Allah ﷻ says:
"And do not retain them (your wives) to harm them."
(Al-Baqarah: 230)
"And do not harm them."
(Al-Ṭalāq: 6)
Furthermore, if a man is unable to maintain good companionship with a wife due to any valid reason, then he is permitted not to marry. Allah ﷻ says:
"And live with them (your wives) in kindness."
(Al-Nisā’: 19)
Summary of Rulings:
✔ Marriage is the Sunnah of the Prophets.
✔ Renouncing marriage for religious devotion (tabattul) is prohibited.
✔ Exemptions apply only to those who are unable to fulfill marital obligations (physically, emotionally, or financially).
✔ Entering into marriage while incapable of fulfilling its rights is prohibited due to the potential harm to the spouse.
✔ Good companionship and avoiding harm are essential conditions in marital life.
