i read in an article that the last husband of a wife in this world would be her husband in the next world also, if that man is a good one. so if i want to be someones husband in the next world, and if i cannot marry him in this world, can i stay single in this world, praying that he would be my husband in the next world. i have full faith that i can live single without any sinful act.

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.

What you read that a woman in Paradise will be with her last husband in this worldly life is confirmed in a Hadeeth reported by Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunnan and narrated by Huthayfah .

Nonetheless, you should not refrain from marriage on the pretext that you wish that that specific man would be your husband in Paradise. This may include some prohibitions, among which is that your heart may become attached to him which could lead you to commit what is forbidden. In addition to this, even though marriage is not an obligation on the one who feels safe from being tempted; however, at this time and age, being safe from being tempted is hard to achieve.

If a woman loves a man, she should, first of all, keep herself chaste from committing what is forbidden with him. Then, she may endeavor to marry him. Indeed, it is religiously permissible for a woman to propose herself to a man for marriage provided she abides by the religious conditions. Afterwards, if he accepts to marry her, then praise be to Allaah, otherwise she is obliged to forget him and ask Allaah to bless her with a pious husband who would comfort her eyes.

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 91412, 89134, 81853, 87667 and 88460.

Allaah Knows best.