Question: 

I am a 21
year old 4th year student studying at a madrassah with only 2 years left to
complete my 6 years Arabic course. I met a girl and her family and
introduced her to my family and our families are glad that we are a suitable
marriageable match . Her family is pleased and is willing to let us get married
and stay by them and willing to help us until my 2 years of studying is done
and I can work full-time after that but as soon as I asked my parents can
we get married so that we can shield ourselves from the fitnah and zina through
out Society today. My parents declined saying I must study finish and
have a full time job with a full salary and my part time  teaching job
won't do anything and if I do want to get married I must leave my studies. I
tried telling them that Allah will put barakah in the money as long as we stay
away from zina but they refuse to listen and say nafaqah takes preference. I
would highly appreciate advice as I don't know what to do?

Answer: 

Firstly, if your parents were not ready to get you married at this stage, then why did they consent to meeting the girl’s party and being introduced to the girl? They should have told you that they are not ready at this stage and advised you to concentrate on your studies until completion. Their meeting with the girl’s party has now given false hope to both, you as well as the girl and her family.

If you get married then it is obviously your responsibility to maintain her fully by providing accommodation, expenditure, food, clothing, etc. However, if your in-laws are prepared to assist with these things due to your studies and your wife is also prepared to drop off her right of maintenance during your studying period, there is no harm in doing so. However, you should bear in mind that this is a favour from their side (not an obligation) and are therefore entitled to retract at any stage, which means that should they retract at any point and time, the responsibility will return to you.

Now that you have seen the girl and both the families are comfortable with each other, explain to your parents that it would be acceptable for you to proceed with the Nikah even though you are in no position to provide for your wife, since your in-laws are prepared to accommodate you as explained in detailed above. However, you should keep in mind that if by your marriage, your in-laws will be burdened with a responsibility that could become difficult and unbearable upon them, or they will start dictating to you as to how you should run your life, then you should wait until Allah Ta'aala opens the way for you, otherwise this could result in various family complications and problems later on. You should make Mashwera with your family and make Istikhaarah as well seeking guidance from Allah Ta'aala . May Allah Ta'aala guide you towards that which is best!

AND ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B 

Date: 24 Dhul Hiujjah 1440 

English Date: 26 August 2019