Question :

What is the wisdom behind delayed marriage and could it be a test?

The Answer :

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.

Whatever befalls a Muslim in this life only happens through the will and decree of Allah the Almighty. He the Exalted decrees not but with great knowledge and wisdom. After guiding the believers to lawful marriage, He the Almighty Said (What means): "This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. God doth wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and (He doth wish to) turn to you (In Mercy): And God is All-knowing, All-wise." {An-Nisa` 25-26}.

A Muslim who is tested with delayed marriage must practice self-restraint, put his trust in Allah and ask recompense from Him. He must busy himself with earning money for covering marriage expenses, performing acts of obedience that bring him closer to Allah and making sincere repentance from former sins. However, this doesn`t mean that he stops adopting means to reach that end. Rather, he must be keen on seeking lawful marriage and constituting a happy family and Allah the Exalted will Facilitate that for him. The evidence on this is that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "There are three for whom it is a right upon Allah to help him: The Mujahid in the cause of Allah, the Mukatab who intends to fulfill (the Kitabah), and the one getting married who intends chastity." [Abu 'Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan. We pray that Allah Blesses all Muslims with avoiding adultery/fornication and Preserving their chastity. And Allah The Almighty Knwos Best.