How can one reconcile the noble verse: (Bad women are for bad men, and bad men are for bad women; and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women) with what is observed in reality, namely, the marriage of righteous women to wicked men?

The interpretation of the Quranic verse: "Corrupt women are for corrupt men, and corrupt men are for corrupt women, and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women. Those are innocent of what they say. For them is forgiveness and a noble provision." (An-Nur/26) can be understood through three closely related, non-contradictory interpretations:

1. Corruption and Goodness in Words: Corrupt words are for corrupt individuals, and good words are for good individuals. 2. Corruption and Goodness in Actions: Corrupt actions are for corrupt individuals, and good actions are for good individuals. 3. Corruption and Goodness in People (Marriage): Corrupt women are for corrupt men, and good women are for good men. This meaning aligns with the exoneration of Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, as Allah Almighty purified her by describing her as good because she was the wife of the good Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Allah would not have chosen for His Prophet anyone but a good woman.

There is no problem or contradiction between the aforementioned verse and the reality of a good person marrying a corrupt one or vice versa, or the marriage of Prophets' wives who were disbelievers or vice versa (like the disbelieving wives of the righteous Noah and Lot, and the believing wife of the tyrannical Pharaoh).

The betrayal of Noah's and Lot's wives, peace be upon them, was in religion and disbelief, not in indecency, for the wives of Prophets are protected from such. They would guide the disbelievers to their husbands. As for the marriage of Pharaoh's believing wife to the disbelieving Pharaoh, it shows that the association of believers with disbelievers does not harm them if they hold fast to their religion.

The verses are consistent and affirm that every soul is held accountable for what it has earned, and that Allah does not hold anyone accountable for another's sin. These examples are given to demonstrate Allah's justice and wisdom.