Advice for Those Who Are Still Single After Trying to Get Married for Years

Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari Abdul-Razacq

Question: I am going to be 28 soon and don’t think I will find anyone to marry. My friends who messed around with guys in college all got married and me and a few other good girls I know did not. It is very difficult to not be married.  I feel alone, and more and more tempted.  Recently I developed a crush on a teacher because I was around him a lot. I know it is because I need a husband.  Is there a dua I can read for this?

Answer: Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May the peace and blessings of Allah descend on the Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all who follow them.

Dear Sister,

Assalamu alaikum,

Thank you for your question. I pray you are in good health and iman.

Any heartfelt dua you read during your prayer, for example while in prostration or before giving final salaams, is good. Also make supplication after every prayer and pray the sunna Prayer of Need.

When you supplicate, you should say: “Our Lord! Grant unto us mates and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.” Al-Furqan (The Criterion) [25:74]

You should also be more proactive about finding a spouse. Sit down and discuss with your family concrete steps to take. More and more communities are hosting marriage conferences and meet-and-greet events (within Islamic limits) for singles. So don’t lose hope.

At the same time, be cautious about your interactions with members of the opposite sex. The scenario you described with your professor is evidence of what can happen when you are vulnerable.

So ask Allah for strength and patience.

May Allah grant you a righteous spouse soon,

Zaynab Ansari Abdul-Razacq
June 10, 2011/Rajab 9, 1432