I and my uncle 'Alqama and al-Aswad went to 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud (Allah be pleased with him). He (the narrator further) said: I was at that time young, and he narrated a hadith which it seemed he narrated for me that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said like one transmitted by Mu'awiya, and further added: I lost no time in marrying.
The Book of Marriage - Sahih Muslim 1400 d
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) conveys profound wisdom regarding the institution of marriage in Islam.
Exposition of the Narration
The phrase "I lost no time in marrying" indicates the prophetic emphasis on hastening to marriage when one possesses the capability and means. This reflects the Sunnah of timely marriage without unnecessary delay.
The presence of young listeners in this gathering demonstrates the importance of educating youth about marital responsibilities from an early age, preparing them for this sacred covenant.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that hastening to marriage when capable prevents one from falling into prohibited matters and secures one's chastity.
Al-Nawawi explains that this hadith encourages young men to marry promptly when they possess physical capability and financial means, as delay may lead to spiritual dangers.
The chain of transmission through respected companions like Alqama and al-Aswad indicates the reliability and importance of this teaching within the community.
Legal and Spiritual Benefits
Marriage completes half of one's faith and protects the private parts from unlawful acts.
Timely marriage fosters emotional stability and spiritual growth, creating righteous households that serve as foundations for a virtuous society.
This practice aligns with the natural disposition (fitrah) and fulfills the prophetic command to marry and procreate.