Fatwa by: Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen (may Allah preserve him)
Question:
What are the key qualities a young woman should consider when choosing a life partner? Also, would rejecting a pious husband for worldly reasons invite divine punishment?
Answer:
The most important qualities for a woman to consider in choosing a husband are religiosity and good character. Wealth and lineage are secondary factors. The primary consideration is that the suitor should be moral and committed to his faith, as such a husband will be good to her in all circumstances. If he keeps her as his wife, he will treat her well, and if he decides to part with her, he will do so kindly.
Furthermore, a husband with strong religious values and good character brings blessings to his wife and future children, who will learn moral and religious values from him. Conversely, it is better to avoid a husband lacking in faith and character, particularly those negligent in prayer or known for drinking alcohol. May Allah protect us from such situations.
As for men who do not pray at all, they are considered disbelievers, making them impermissible as spouses for believing women. Hence, a woman should focus on religion and good character when selecting a husband. Lineage is a positive attribute if available, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"If someone whose religion and character please you comes for marriage, then marry him."
[Ibn Majah, Kitab an-Nikah, Chapter 46]
If a match is found with these qualities along with compatible attributes, that is ideal.
Question:
What are the key qualities a young woman should consider when choosing a life partner? Also, would rejecting a pious husband for worldly reasons invite divine punishment?
Answer:
The most important qualities for a woman to consider in choosing a husband are religiosity and good character. Wealth and lineage are secondary factors. The primary consideration is that the suitor should be moral and committed to his faith, as such a husband will be good to her in all circumstances. If he keeps her as his wife, he will treat her well, and if he decides to part with her, he will do so kindly.
Furthermore, a husband with strong religious values and good character brings blessings to his wife and future children, who will learn moral and religious values from him. Conversely, it is better to avoid a husband lacking in faith and character, particularly those negligent in prayer or known for drinking alcohol. May Allah protect us from such situations.
As for men who do not pray at all, they are considered disbelievers, making them impermissible as spouses for believing women. Hence, a woman should focus on religion and good character when selecting a husband. Lineage is a positive attribute if available, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"If someone whose religion and character please you comes for marriage, then marry him."
[Ibn Majah, Kitab an-Nikah, Chapter 46]
If a match is found with these qualities along with compatible attributes, that is ideal.