Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Volume 18, Page 6, Fatwa No.9624, Question 3
Question: Is it obligatory (fardh) to marry or is it [simply] recommended (Sunnah)?
Response: It is an encouraged Sunnah to marry for those who are able; as the Prophet ﷺ said:
«O gathering of youth! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.) and whoever is unable to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power».
It is [quite] possible in respect to some people it is obligatory [to get married] if there is fear within himself that he may fall into fornication whilst he is able to afford to get married.
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet ﷺ and his family and his companions.
