An Abuja-based Islamic cleric, Yahya Al-Yolawi, on Tuesday in Abuja, urged youths who have the means to get married to shun fornication.

This, he said, would make them earn rewards here on earth and in the hereafter.

Mr Al-Yolawi, the chief imam of Nurul Yaqeen Jumma’at Mosque, Abuja, told journalists that marriage protects the heart from the evil of unbridled sexual desires and the concomitant dangers.

“If a person fears the dangers of fornication, he or she will prefer to get married,” he said.

He said marriage is like an unbreakable fortress that protects those involved from going into hellfire in the hereafter.

“Marriage should not be put off or delayed, especially if one has the means to do so. Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty.

“Marriage encourages reconciliation; the protection of the rights of women and children, and the production of righteous offspring who will be happy in this life and the hereafter,’’ he said.

Mr Al-Yolawi stressed that marriage signified one’s commitment to following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

He quoted the prophet as saying, “marriage is my teaching. Whosoever keeps away from it is not of me.’’ 

(NAN)