While I was with `Abdullah, `Uthman met him at Mina and said, "O Abu `Abdur-Rahman ! I have
something to say to you." So both of them went aside and `Uthman said, "O Abu `Abdur-Rah. man!
Shall we marry you to a virgin who will make you remember your past days?" When `Abdullah felt
that he was not in need of that, he beckoned me (to join him) saying, "O 'Alqama!" Then I heard him
saying (in reply to `Uthman), "As you have said that, (I tell you that) the Prophet (ﷺ) once said to us, 'O
young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, and whoever is not able to marry,
is recommended to fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power.
Narrated by Narrated 'Alqama:
Context
In this hadith, Abdullah bin Mas'ud is approached by Uthman, who suggests marrying a virgin to help him remember his past. Abdullah responds by recalling the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ advice to young people about marriage and fasting, indicating the importance of marriage while also recognizing the alternative of fasting for those unable to marry.
Modern Application
This teaching resonates today as many young people navigate the challenges of relationships and marriage. It encourages them to consider marriage as a means of fulfillment while also recognizing the value of self-discipline through fasting.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Marriage and Spousal Rights because it addresses the importance of marriage and the rights associated with it as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.
He said, "Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous."
There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allah knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.