Must I marry when I grow up?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Marriage does not become obligatory simply by becoming mature but some rules apply to it, which differ from one person to another. Marriage is a Sunnah (desirable) for a person who does not fear committing Zina (adultery or fornication) but it is compulsory for one who fears committing this sin as he may avoid this by getting married.

The Prophet said: ''O young people, whoever is able to marry should marry, and whoever is not able to do so, he should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual desires." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Imaam Al-Qurtubi said: “Any person who is able to marry must do so especially if he fears harm in his religion and body in being unmarried. There is no difference of opinion among the Muslim scholars over this issue”.

Marriage is more desirable than other supererogatory acts of worship if one is under the pressure of sexual desire, and it has many benefits, such as preserving one’s chastity, getting progeny and increasing the number of the Muslim nation, and securing the boast of the Prophet Muhammad by the great number of his followers on the Day of Judgment.

Allah knows best.