A person’s need for marriage is a necessity. In some cases, a person’s need for marriage becomes as urgent as someone’s need for food and drink.

[Q]: If a person is able to earn his basic provisions [food and shelter], and needs to get married but is not [financially] able to do so, is it permissible to give him zakāh?

[A]: Yes, it is permissible for us to help him get married using zakāh funds, and to give him the mahr [dowry] in full. If it is said: How do we determine the permissibility of helping a poor man get married with zakāh funds even if the amount given to him is a large sum?

We say: A person’s need for marriage is a necessity. In some cases, a person’s need for marriage becomes as urgent as someone’s need for food and drink. This is why the people of knowledge mention that it is an obligation upon the guardian to help his dependent get married if the dependent is unable. Therefore, the father should aid his son in marriage as long as his son is in need [of marriage] and unable to fend for himself.

I have heard of some fathers—who, perhaps, have forgotten about their own circumstances as youth—when they are asked for help by their sons, they reply, “get married from your own pocket”. This is not permissible, especially if the father is able to get his son married. It is ḥarām for him [to utter such words]. His son will confront him on the Day of Judgement if he does not assist him to get married.¹

Endnotes:

1. Source: Fatāwá Arkān al-Islām, pg. 440-441. Translated by: Munīb al-Ṣumali