It was narrated that 'Alqamah said: "I was walking with 'Abdullah in Mina and he was met by 'Uthman who stood with him and spoke with him. He said: 'O Abu Abdur-Rahman! Shall I not marry you to a young girl? Perhaps she will remind you of when you were younger?' 'Abdullah said: 'As you say that (it reminds me that) the Messenger of Allah said to us: O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him get married.'"
The Book of Marriage - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3211
This narration from 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) through 'Alqamah presents a profound teaching regarding marriage in Islam. The exchange between 'Uthman and 'Abdullah demonstrates how companions would gently remind each other of prophetic guidance.
Contextual Analysis
'Uthman's offer to arrange a marriage for the elderly 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reflects the Islamic understanding that marriage remains beneficial throughout one's life, not merely in youth. However, 'Abdullah's response redirects the focus to the Prophet's specific address to young men, indicating contextual appropriateness.
The phrase "whoever among you can afford it" establishes the condition of financial capability (al-istita'ah), which classical scholars define as having sufficient means to provide basic marital obligations including mahr (dower), housing, and sustenance.
Legal and Spiritual Dimensions
Imam an-Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes marriage as highly recommended (mustahabb) for those capable, as it protects chastity and completes half of one's faith. The specification "young men" indicates particular urgency for those in the prime of youth when desires are strongest.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the phrase "let him get married" employs the imperative form which, in this context, denotes strong recommendation rather than obligation, due to the attached condition of financial capability.
The wisdom behind this teaching, as expounded by classical scholars, includes preservation of lineage, protection from unlawful relations, cultivation of love and mercy between spouses, and fulfillment of human nature within divinely prescribed boundaries.