Abstaining from marriage due to the increase in Mahr

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Q: I am a 27-year-old man and until now, there is nothing that encourages me to marry. The reason is the great increase in the cost of Mahr (mandatory gift to a bride from her groom), which has reached 120,000 Riyals. This is why I prefer to remain single. Please advise me, am I sinful for remaining as a bachelor due to the increase in the cost of the Mahr? May Allah reward you with the best.

A: You should exert all the effort you can to protect yourself and preserve your chastity by getting married. If you cannot afford it, you should observe Sawm (Fasting), as it will help you, with the Permission of Allah, to guard your chastity and virtuousness. (Part No. 18; Page No. 25) It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O young men! Those among you who have the ability for marriage, let them marry, as it is more able to lower the gaze (i.e., from looking at forbidden things) and guard the private parts (i.e., chastity, from illegal sexual acts); but those who cannot should observe Sawm (Fasting), for it will remove their sexual desire.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) We ask Allah to make things easy for you and guide you. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.