What is the ruling on marriage for one who lacks sexual desire due to natural disposition, old age, or illness?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
There are two views regarding this category. The first opinion holds that marriage is recommended for them based on the general encouragement of marriage. The second view posits that abstaining from marriage is better for them because they do not gain the specific merits of marriage, yet they may harm the woman by preventing her from marrying another, burdening themselves with responsibilities they cannot fulfill, and distracting themselves from knowledge and worship without benefit.
Supporting text
The narrations emphasizing marriage and commanding procreation are interpreted to apply specifically to those possessing sexual desire, as contextual evidence suggests. For those who cannot find the means to marry, God commands them to maintain abstinence until He enriches them through His grace (Quran 24:33).