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Fatwa CenterRufusing to get married does not indicate one's inability to shoulder the burdens of marriage
Question
What is the exact interpretation of this verse (which means): {Allaah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.} [Quran 2:286]
Does this verse mean that, for example, if Allaah The Almighty decided that a young woman will not get married, it is because He knew she is unable to shoulder the burdens of marriage?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
This verse means that Allaah The Almighty does not burden man with tasks beyond his ability or charge him with duties beyond his capability. For example, prayer has certain conditions that must be fulfilled to consider it valid. However, if one is unable to meet some of these conditions or all of them, Allaah The Almighty will not burden him with something that he is unable to carry out.
Nevertheless, the fact that this young woman did not get married is irrelevant to this. It is something that has to do with the divine distribution of provisions. Allaah The Almighty is free to give whatever He wants to whomever He wants and everything occurs in accordance with His decree and power, and He knows what is best for His slaves. Thus, the Muslim must be content with what has been predestined for him and must always say the following reported supplication: “Allaahumma maa razaqtani mimmaa ’uhibbu faj‘alhu quwwatan li fimaa tuhibbu wamaa mana‘ta ‘anni mimmaa ’uhibbu faj‘alhu faraaghan li fymaa tuhibbu. (O Allaah! If You give me something that I like, then make it help me in doing what You like and if You prevented me from having what I like, then make me do something that You like.)” [At-Tirmithi]
If this young woman gets married, she must carry out the commands of Allaah The Almighty and perform the duties of marriage by taking care of her house and bringing up her children. However, if she is not destined to get married then she should employ her time in serving her parents and in learning the Quran and Hadeeths (Prophetic narrations). Moreover, she has to focus on what could be of benefit to her, seek the help of Allaah The Almighty, and supplicate Him insistently to grant her a righteous husband.
It is permissible for her to offer herself in marriage through her guardian or anyone else to a righteous man.
Allaah Knows best.
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