- When Nikah (Marriage) Becomes Wajib (Obligatory) or Fard
If a person has the means (financial and physical ability) for marriage and there is a strong likelihood that they will fall into fornication (zina) or other unlawful acts without it, then marriage becomes wajib/fard.
Evidence:
وَأَنْكِحُوا الْأَيَامَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّالِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ
(An-Nur: 32) — “And marry off those among you who are single…”
According to the jurists, in this case, the command implies obligation when there is a certain risk of sin.
- When Nikah is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Highly Recommended Sunnah)
If a person has the ability for marriage, there is no strong fear of falling into sin, but marriage would bring benefit in religion and worldly matters (such as having children, reviving the Sunnah), then it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah.
Prophet ﷺ said:
“النِّكاحُ مِن سُنَّتي فمَن رَغِبَ عن سُنَّتي فليس مني”
(Ibn Majah) — “Marriage is from my Sunnah, and whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.”
- When Nikah is Mubah (Permissible)
If there is no fear of sin and no particular religious benefit or harm whether one marries or not, then it is mubah (permissible).
Not marrying in this case is not sinful, and marrying brings reward if done with the intention of following the Sunnah.
- When Nikah is Makruh (Disliked) or Haram (Prohibited)
If one does not have the financial or physical means and will be unable to fulfill the wife’s rights, then it is makruh (disliked).
If marriage will certainly lead to oppression, neglect of rights, or sin, then it is haram (prohibited).
📌 Summary Table:
Condition Ruling
Has means, certain risk of sin Wajib / Fard
Has means, no risk of sin but religious benefit Sunnah Mu’akkadah
No risk, no specific benefit Mubah
No means, likely to neglect rights Makruh
Certain harm, injustice, or sin Haram