If I get married, I know I cannot fulfill my spouse’s rights. How do I convince my parents?

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Praise be to Allah, and may His blessings and peace shower upon our Beloved Messenger.

There are categories for people in terms of who should and should not get married. If someone knows that they cannot fulfill the obligations of marriage and will not give their spouse their rights, then it is actually haram for them to get married. It sounds like you fall in this category.

You should sit down with your parents and explain to them that, according to our fiqh, it is haram for you to get married because you know for certain that you couldn't give your spouse their rights. I know this will sadden your parents, but you need to stress to them that if you marry you will end up hurting another Muslim by not fulfilling their rights.

I do hope that you change your outlook on marriage. Marriage is a wonderful gift from Allah. It is also one of the best ways to subdue your self (nafs) and learn the meaning of sacrifice, sharing, and love. I would advise you to look deep within yourself, ask Allah for clarity, and examine why you feel the way you do.

Whatever you decide, remember to go to Allah with your thoughts and prayers.

And Allah knows best.

Zaynab Ansari