Undoubtedly, marriage is a Sunnah act for all the messengers of Allah. Islam genuinely emphasizes men and women getting married, as it is a source of fulfillment for both, enabling them to live a happy marital life without indulging in any haram practices.

Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-ʿala āli-hi wa-sallam) and his Sahabah recommended both men and women to marry.

Furthermore, it is advised to marry a spouse who is attractive, practices religion, and has a gentle character, with religion being the top priority.

Allah (Subḥānahu wa ta’ālā) says in the Quran:

"Marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male and female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. And Allah is all-encompassing and knowing." (Quran, 24:32)

Allah also says:

"And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought." (Qur’an 30:21)

Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-ʿala āli-hi wa-sallam) said:

"O youngsters! Those among you who have the ability to get married should marry, and those who do not have the ability should fast, as fasting will diminish your sexual desires.” (Sahih Bukhari)

He further said:

"To get married is my Sunnah. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.” (Sahih Bukhari)

However, this does not mean there is any sin for those who choose not to get married, as long as they do not engage in Zina or inappropriate, anti-Islamic relationships.

Many Legendary Scholars of Islam Remained Unmarried

There were many distinguished Islamic scholars, both men and women, who did not marry. Their passion and devotion to seeking Islamic knowledge and focusing on spirituality and worshiping Allah were paramount in their lives. Their choice to remain single did not diminish their contributions or legacies within the Muslim Ummah. Here are some renowned scholars:

1) Imam Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (Rahimahullah)

Born in 225 AH in Amol, Tabaristan, Imam al-Tabari was a polymath, historian, theologian, and jurist. Known for his work in Quran, Hadith, and Tafseer, he initially followed Shafi’i jurisprudence before developing his own interpretation within Sunni Islam. His significant contributions include Tafseer al-Tabari and Tarikh al-Tabari. He passed away in 310 AH in Baghdad. May Allah rest his soul in Jannat-ul-Firdous, Amin.

2) Karima bint Ahmad bint Muhammad bint Hatim Al-Marwaziya (Rahimahullah)

Karima Al-Marwaziya was born in 365 AH in what is now Turkmenistan. A notable scholar of Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence in the 5th century, she practiced the Hanafi school of thought. She passed away in 463 AH in Mecca. May Allah rest her soul in Jannah, Amin.

3) Imam al-Nawawi (Rahimahullah)

Born in 631 AH in Nawa, near Damascus, Syria, Imam al-Nawawi was a significant figure in the Shafi’i school of thought. He authored important texts such as Riyadh us Saliheen and Forty Hadith Qudusi. He died in 676 AH at the age of 45. May Allah rest his soul in Jannat-ul-Firdous, Amin.

4) Shaykh al-Islam Taqiuddin Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah)

Born in 661 AH in Harran, Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah was a renowned scholar of the Hanbali school of thought. His works in Tafseer, Hadith, and Aqeedah earned him titles like Shaykh al-Islam. He authored Majmoo al-Fatawa and Al-Aqeedah Al-Wastiyyah. He passed away in 728 AH in the Citadel of Damascus. May Allah rest his soul in peace.

5) Abul Wafa Syed Mahmood Shah Al-Afghani (Rahimahullah)

Born in 1310 AH in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Abul Wafa Syed Mahmood migrated to India for religious education. He later studied at Jamia Nizamia, Hyderabad, and taught generations of scholars. He died on 13th Rajab 1395 AH in Hyderabad, India. May Allah grant him Jannah, Amin.

These biographies underscore that being unmarried does not indicate a lesser devotion to Islam. While marriage is significant and provides spiritual and peaceful living, those who remained single were not devoid of understanding its blessings or rulings; it was simply not their fate. May Allah elevate their status and rest their souls in Jannah, Amin.

Ali Hassan Sial, a Pakistani Muslim, is a Computer Scientist with a BS and MS in Computer Science. He is a faculty member, researcher, and passionate content writer. Formerly in the IT industry for four years, he now dedicates himself to academia. Reach out at: [email protected]