To Marry or Not to Marry
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al-Ghazali begins with an honest question. Is it better to marry, or to stay single and devote yourself fully to worship?
In his time, some spiritual people argued that marriage was a distraction. al-Ghazali takes their argument seriously. But then he lays out the evidence on the other side.
The Prophet ﷺ married. He said, marriage is my way, and whoever turns away from my way is not of me. And it is reported, in chains that are weaker, that he said, whoever marries has completed half of his religion, so let him fear Allah in the other half.
And yet, al-Ghazali does not say that marriage is always better for everyone. His answer is wise and balanced. It depends on the person. Marriage has great benefits, and it also brings real burdens. Each person must weigh them in their own situation.
This is typical of al-Ghazali. He does not give slogans. He gives you tools to think with.
So, in the next chapters, he lists the benefits of marriage, and then, with remarkable honesty, its difficulties.
