0 young men, those among you who can support a wife should marry, for it restrains eyes (from casting evil glances) and preserves one from immorality; but he who cannot afford It should observe fast for it is a means of controlling the sexual desire.
The Book of Marriage - Sahih Muslim 1400 c
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) contains profound wisdom regarding the regulation of human sexuality within Islamic law.
Primary Exhortation to Marriage
The address to "young men" specifically indicates this guidance is most pertinent to those in the prime of youth when physical desires are strongest. The condition "who can support a wife" establishes marriage as an obligation only upon those possessing financial means for dowry and maintenance, protecting women from hardship.
Marriage is prescribed as the primary means to achieve two crucial objectives: "it restrains eyes" meaning it lowers the gaze from unlawful looking, and "preserves from immorality" by providing lawful fulfillment of natural desires, thus protecting one's chastity and religion.
Spiritual Remedy for Those Unable to Marry
For those lacking financial capacity for marriage, the Prophet prescribed fasting as a spiritual remedy. Fasting weakens physical desires through hunger and thirst while strengthening one's connection to Allah through increased devotion and self-restraint.
This demonstrates the divine mercy in providing alternative paths to righteousness when the primary means is unavailable. The wisdom lies in recognizing that both marriage and fasting serve as protective fortifications for one's faith and morality.
Comprehensive Approach to Chastity
This teaching establishes a comprehensive system for maintaining societal morality: marriage as the positive means for lawful fulfillment, and fasting as the spiritual discipline for self-control when marriage is not feasible.
The hadith beautifully balances the material and spiritual dimensions of human existence, addressing both physical needs and spiritual development within the framework of Islamic law, ensuring every believer has accessible means to preserve their chastity and draw nearer to their Creator.