Why Marriage and Family Should Be a Priority for Young Men: An Islamic Perspective
An Islamic Perspective on Marriage, Family, and Success
As young men between the ages of 25 and 30, many of us are at a crossroads in life, navigating through career aspirations, financial ambitions, and personal dreams. In our pursuit of success, it’s common to set high expectations for ourselves—dreams of becoming millionaires, owning mansions, driving luxury cars, and living lives that others envy. However, this worldly ambition can sometimes cause us to delay what truly matters in life: building a family, marrying early, and raising children. In the quest for wealth and material success, we may forget that true happiness and fulfillment come from the relationships we nurture and the wisdom we apply in our daily lives.
The Islamic Perspective on Marriage
In Islam, marriage is not just a social contract or a means to satisfy one’s desires, but rather a sacred bond, a partnership that is meant to bring peace, tranquility, and mutual support. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Quran 30:21)
This verse highlights the purpose of marriage as a source of peace and comfort. While the relationship between husband and wife is based on mutual love, respect, and support, it is also a means of building a strong foundation for the family. Therefore, marrying early is not only encouraged in Islam but is seen as an opportunity to grow together, both spiritually and emotionally.
Don’t Wait for Perfection
It is natural to have doubts before committing to marriage. As young men, we may fear that we do not have enough financial resources or that we haven’t reached our desired career goals. However, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Marry those who are loving and fertile, for I will boast of your great numbers before the other nations on the Day of Judgment.” (Ibn Majah)
This hadith emphasizes the importance of marriage and starting a family early. The Prophet (PBUH) never instructed us to wait until we’ve become millionaires or reached certain financial or professional milestones before seeking marriage. In fact, the reality is that waiting for the “perfect” time can lead to missed opportunities. Marriage is a step that Allah (SWT) blesses, and with it comes support, love, and assistance from Allah, often in ways we cannot predict.
The fear of not being able to provide for a wife or children is common, but in reality, the risk of delay is often greater. By delaying marriage and family, we might find ourselves without the support system we need to navigate life’s challenges. Allah (SWT) promises to provide for those who trust in Him:
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.” (Quran 17:31)
This verse teaches us that provision is not solely dependent on our own efforts; it is a blessing from Allah. If we take the step of marriage and start a family, we trust that Allah will provide for us, just as He provides for the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea.
Building Together, Growing Together
In Islam, marriage is seen as a partnership where both husband and wife work together to build a life of faith and success. Our fathers and senior brothers who may have delayed marriage often regret that they spent years chasing financial success, only to find themselves without the family they wished for. True success in Islam is not just about material wealth but about how well we nurture our relationships and our faith.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi)
This hadith teaches us that treating our wives with kindness, respect, and compassion is one of the greatest acts of worship. Building a successful life is not only about financial success; it is about how we treat our spouses, children, and loved ones. With a supportive and understanding wife by your side, you can grow together in both wealth and faith. And even if financial challenges arise, the emotional and spiritual rewards of marriage will far outweigh the material struggles.
Time Is a Precious Gift
One of the biggest regrets many people have is the time they spent waiting for the perfect moment. As you observe your childhood friends and others around you, you may notice that those who married early, even if they didn’t have all the material wealth they dreamed of, are often more content and fulfilled. They have children, a loving spouse, and a family unit that supports them through thick and thin.
Islam teaches us that time is a precious commodity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busy time, and your life before your death.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith encourages us to make the most of our youth, health, and time before they pass us by. Marrying early, starting a family, and raising your children are key steps in making the most of this precious time. The longer we wait, the more time we risk losing.
Maturity and Happiness in Family Life
Many young men are searching for happiness in material things—money, cars, status—but true happiness comes from contentment in what we have and the relationships we nurture. You might find that your childhood friends, who didn’t wait to achieve everything before starting a family, are happier despite not having all the material success you desire. Happiness, in the Islamic perspective, is about wisdom, maturity, and how you handle life’s trials.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [your] hope.” (Quran 18:46)
This verse reminds us that the pursuit of wealth and material success is fleeting. What truly matters is how we live our lives, how we treat others, and the deeds we perform. Starting a family and raising righteous children is one of the best deeds you can do. A well-planned life centered around faith, love, and mutual respect will bring more lasting happiness than all the money in the world.
Marrying with Faith
It is crucial not to overlook the role that a good wife plays in your life. Allah (SWT) has created women to be a source of comfort and support for men. The right partner will help you grow in your faith and help you fulfill your responsibilities. In Islam, we are encouraged to marry someone with strong faith, good character, and a kind heart, as these qualities will help you both succeed in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The best women are those who make you happy when you look at them, who obey you when you command them, and who protect your secrets and wealth when you are absent.” (Ibn Majah)
This is the ideal partner to seek: a woman who will be your support, comfort, and strength as you navigate through life’s challenges. With a partner like this, both husband and wife will grow together, succeeding not just in the dunya but in the akhira as well.
Conclusion
To the young men reading this, I urge you not to make the same mistakes that many of our fathers or senior brothers made by delaying marriage. Don’t wait until you have everything you think you need before settling down. Marry now, with the little you have, and trust in Allah’s provision. Start your family early, grow with your children, and succeed with your wife. Remember, success is not measured by wealth alone, but by the wisdom, happiness, and contentment that comes from living a balanced life of faith and family.
May Allah (SWT) grant you a righteous and loving spouse, and may He bless you with righteous children who will be a source of joy and comfort to you in this life and the next. May He make your marriage a means of mutual growth, success, and happiness. Ameen.
