What is the ruling on marriage for one who possesses sexual desire but is confident they will not fall into transgression if they abstain?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
For this person, engaging in marriage is preferred over dedicating oneself entirely to supererogatory acts of worship. This is the position held by the Companions, as evidenced by their conduct, and is the apparent view of the Ashab al-Ra'y (Hanafi school). Ibn Mas'ud stated that he would marry even if he only had ten days left to live, fearing temptation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned, 'Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me,' in reference to abandoning marriage, and he strongly forbade asceticism (tabattul). Marriage is further supported by the benefit of increasing the Ummah, which is the basis of the Prophet's pride on the Day of Judgment.
Supporting text
Shafi'i holds that devoting oneself solely to the worship of God is superior, citing the praise of Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) as 'حصورا' (one who abstains from women), implying that avoiding marriage is superior if one can achieve worship excellence without it. This view is also supported by the Quranic mention of worldly desires, including women, being presented as adornments in a context of admonishment (Quran 3:14), and by analogizing marriage as a contract of exchange, making singular worship preferable, similar to trade over worship.