|
Choosing a Husband
What are the most important considerations a young lady
should make when choosing a husband? If she
refuses someone simply for economic or worldly
reasons, will that expose her to the punishment
of Allah?
Response:
The most important attributes that a woman must
look for in selecting a husband are character and
piety. Wealth and lineage are secondary
considerations. The most important aspect is that
the proposed groom be a person of piety and
proper behavior. The person of proper behavior
and piety will not do his wife wrong. Either he
will keep her in a way that is proper or he will
leave her to go free in the best way.
Furthermore, the person of religion and behavior
may be a blessing for her and her children. She
may learn manners and religion from him. If he
does not have those characteristics, she should
stay away from him, especially if he is one of
those who is lax with respect to performing the
prayers or if he is known to drink alcohol, may
Allah save us. As for those who never pray, they
are disbelievers. Believing women are not
permissible for them nor are they permissible for
the believing women. The important point is that
the woman should stress character and piety. If
he is also of a noble lineage, that is to be
preferred. This is due to the Messenger of
Allah's (peace be upon him) statement,
"If a person whose religion and character you
approve of comes to you, then marry him."1
However, if he is also suitable [in other ways,
such as economics standing and so forth], that is
better.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Footnote
1. Recorded by al-Tirmidhi and ibn Majah. As
discussed earlier, it is hasan hadith.--JZ |