"So then, the angels called out to him, while he stood praying in the Arch, saying: "Allah gives you the good news of Yahya (John) who shall come to confirm a word of Allah and shall be a chief, abstinent (from women), a prophet and one of the righteous.[39]" (3:39)

Commentary

1) The expression, 'a word of Allah' refers to Sayyidna 'Isa (A.S) (Jesus - Peace be upon him). This term is used for him because he was created, in an unusual manner, simply by the will and command of Allah - without a paternal linkage.

2) The second quality of Sayyidna Yahya (A.S) (John - Peace be upon him)has been described by the word, 'hasur' translated here as 'abstinent'. It means that he was very particular about keeping himself shielded from temptations, that is, from things one habitually enjoys. When we say one abstains from enjoyments of life, the statement includes abstinence even from fulfilling the desires of things allowed, for example, good food, good dress and marital life and things like these. Since the quality of abstinence has been mentioned here in a positive frame of reference, it obviously seems to suggest that this is the better way, although ahadith prove the higher merit of living in the bond of marriage. In this situation, the considered opinion is that one whose condition is similar to that of Sayyidna Yahya (A.S) and who is so absorbed in the thought of his life-to-come that he feels no need to have a wife nor has the time and frame of mind to fulfil the rights of his wife and children, then, for such a person this is the better choice. It is because of this particular reason that ahadith which describe the merit of marriage come up with a restrictive clause as well, that is, which means that one who can marry and is capable of fulfilling the due rights of his wife, should marry, for this is better for him; otherwise, he is not advised to marry. (Bayan al-Qur'an) [Ma'ariful Qur'an]

The verse mentions that Hadhrat Yahya (A.S.) was "hasoor" (translated above as "chaste") i.e. He abstained from relations with women. From this verse, the followers of the Shafi'ee school of jurisprudence deduce that it is better to remain single than to marry. According to the adherents of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, marriage is Sunnah and will even be Waajib for the person who experiences greater necessity. It was unique to Hadhrat Yahya (A.S.) if he did not marry. Besides him (and Prophet Isa A.S.) all the Anbiya (A.S.) were married. (Anwaar ul Bayaan (Illuminating Discourses on the Noble Qur'aan), Volume 1, Page 333)


See also: Is It Necesarry To Marry? The Legal Ruling (Hanafi) - http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/2245_22-11-2011/is-it-necessary-to-marry%3F-the-legal-ruling-%28hanafi%29.html

» Posted by Seifeddine-M on 22nd November 2011

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