Continue your studies or get married?

Marriage and education are two important aspects of life that can sometimes seem in competition. Here is a reflection on this subject, informed by Islamic teachings.

Importance of marriage in Islam

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) emphasized the importance of choosing a life partner based on religion and morality. He said :

“When someone comes to you (to marry your daughter) who satisfies you with his religion and morality, then accept him. »

• Reported by At-Tirmidhî in the chapter of marriage (n°1084).

He also encouraged young people to marry to preserve their chastity and lower their gaze:

“O young people! Whoever among you is able to bear the burden of marriage, let him marry. He will thus be able to lower his gaze better and preserve his chastity. »

• Reported by Al-Bukhârî in the chapter on marriage (n° 5065 and 5066), and by Muslim also in the chapter on marriage (n° 1400).

Refusal to marry can deprive individuals of the spiritual and moral benefits it brings.

Studies and marriage: a balance to find

It is essential to find a balance between further education and marriage. Here are some tips and considerations:

1. Conditions for continuing studies : A woman may make it a condition of her marriage that she continue her studies until completion or continue teaching for a specified period, as long as she is not yet occupied by family responsibilities such as children.
2. Usefulness of studies : It is advisable to review the relevance of in-depth studies in areas that are not directly useful. A basic education that enables reading and writing, and provides the skills needed to read and explain the Quran and hadith, is often considered sufficient.
3. Essential studies : It is important to allow women to pursue studies in essential fields such as medicine, provided that these studies do not contain prohibited elements, such as excessive mixing or other practices not in accordance with Islamic principles. .

Conclusion

The decision to marry or continue education should not be seen as an exclusive choice. With open communication and clear agreements between partners, it is possible to pursue one’s educational ambitions while enjoying the benefits of marriage. Guardians and families must encourage young women to find this balance, thereby ensuring their spiritual, moral and intellectual development.