Is marriage a matter of fate and destiny, or persistence with a specific person? And if the first attempt is rejected, should it not be repeated?

Everything that occurs in the universe is by Allah's decree, and marriage is a matter of divine apportionment and destiny. This is one of the fundamentals of belief in divine preordainment (Al-Qadar (definition)), without which a person's faith is incomplete. However, belief in Al-Qadar does not mean abandoning the means; rather, one must strive while relying upon Allah, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Tie your camel and then rely upon Allah." Therefore, when desiring marriage, seek a person of religious commitment, consult others, perform Istikhara (prayer for guidance) to Allah, and believe that whatever is decreed for you is what Allah has written.