How can the Hadith "So, marry the religious woman, may your hands be soiled with dust" and the Hadith "Nothing like marriage has been seen for those who love one another" be reconciled in a case where a man loves a non-committed girl? Should he marry her, or should he seek a religious woman? And is it permissible to marry the one he loves if she agrees to become religious?
There is no contradiction between the two hadiths. The principle is to choose a woman of religious commitment, but if women are equal in their religious devotion, then love may tip the scale towards one of them. However, if love conflicts with religious commitment, then religious commitment takes precedence. It has been said that the hadith, "There is nothing like marriage for two who love one another," may refer to marriage in general, not necessarily to marrying someone one already loves. But the summary of the matter is that religious devotion is the primary criterion for selection, and it is not permissible to marry a woman with little religious commitment hoping to guide her, as that is a path with uncertain consequences.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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