Binding oneself to propose to a woman and changing one's opinion thereafter

Q 1: A long time ago, I wanted to marry a woman. My difficult financial conditions prevented me from marrying her. Many years passed without my desire being fulfilled. I made a vow to marry her even if she grows old. Now that my financial conditions have improved, I find my heart is not attached to her like before. I fear that if I marry her, I will not develop any loving desire towards her. What is Your Eminence's opinion regarding the vow I made a long time ago?

A: Marriage is one of the commendable acts of the messengers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to marry if they possess both the financial and physical means of marriage. It was authentically reported that he (peace be upon him) said: "O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry should marry, for marriage would help him lower his gaze and keep his virtue. Whoever is not able to marry is recommended to observe Sawm (Fast), for Sawm would diminish his sexual desire." (Part No. 18; Page No. 66) (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) There is no problem if you refuse to marry the woman whom you had previously thought of marrying as long as you no longer have the desire to marry her. You both will be suited to your compatible partners. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.