Abstaining from marriage for the sake of knowledge and Da`wah

Q 1: My father wanted me to marry, but I refused saying that I cannot marry now as I am preoccupied with acquiring knowledge and Da‘wah (calling to Islam) among people who worship other than Allah. The truth is that I do not want to marry for two reasons. Firstly: There are no true believing girls who fulfill the obligations of Allah. Most of them in my village perform acts that indicate that they are Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and believe in the occupants of the graves. (Part No. 18; Page No. 39) There are believing girls in other villages, but I cannot marry someone from outside our village. Secondly: I want to focus on acquiring knowledge and calling people to Allah, but marriage will delay me or keep me from performing this obligation of seeking knowledge.What is your Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) and the Islamic ruling in this regard? Many Muslim scholars, such as Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, did not marry.

A: Marriage is the practice of all the Messengers and there is a great deal of evidence that encourages it. Some of the wisdoms related to marriage are that it helps to lower the gaze, preserves chastity, produce offspring, and enable a man and a woman to stand by each other in matters of everyday life. Getting married does not keep you from Da‘wah; rather it helps to realize this goal for the peace and tranquility it brings to the soul. We advise you to marry and try to choose a good wife, even if she is from outside your village, knowing that no one is perfect, be it a man or a woman, especially at this time, except whom Allah wills. The Prophet (peace be upon him) disapproved the reluctance expressed by of some of his Sahabah (Companions): One of them said, “As for me, I shall pray and never sleep.” Another said, “As for me, I shall fast and never break my fast.” A third said, “As for me, I shall not marry women.” When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was informed about that, he delivered a Khutbah (sermon) to the people. He praised Allah and glorified Him, and mentioned that matter saying, “As for me, I pray and I sleep, I fast and I break my fast, and I marry women. Anyone who shuns my Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) is not from me (i.e. not among my followers).” (Part No. 18; Page No. 40) Finally, it is not confirmed that Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) did not marry. If it was confirmed, he probably had a lawful excuse, as we do not think someone like him would shun the Sunnah, when he was one of the greatest Du‘ah (callers) to the Sunnah and one of the most knowledgeable people of it. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.