THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS FOR WHICH A WOMAN SHOULD CHOOSE A SUITOR….

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) said:


The most important characteristics for which a woman should choose a suitor are good character and religious commitment. Wealth and good lineage are secondary matters. The most important thing is that the suitor should be religiously committed and of good character, because the woman will not lose anything with a husband who is religiously committed and of good character. If he keeps her, he will keep her on reasonable terms and if he divorces her he will release her with kindness. Moreover the one who is religiously committed and of good character will be a blessing for her and her children, and she will learn good attitudes and religion from him. But if he is not like that, then she should keep away from him, especially some of those who are negligent about performing prayers or who are known to drink alcohol – Allah forbid.


As for those who do not pray at all, they are kuffar and it is not permissible for them to marry believing women, and they are not permissible for (believing women) either. What matters is that the believing woman should focus on good character and religious commitment. As for good lineage, if that is present too, then it is better, because the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If there comes to you one with whose religious commitment and character you are pleased, then give (your daughter or female relative under your care) in marriage to him.”


But if they are socially compatible, that is better.


[Fatawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah (2/702)]