What is the religious ruling on the marriage of a committed young woman to a young man who does not pray and is ignorant of matters of his religion? Is the Islam of one who commits to prayer for the sake of marriage valid? Is the young woman sinful if she refuses this young man?

Prayer is of great importance. It is the second pillar of Islam and the first of a Muslim's deeds to be examined. One who abandons it, denying its obligation, is, by consensus, a disbeliever. As for one who abandons it out of laziness, scholars have differed regarding his disbelief. It is not permissible for a Muslim woman to marry someone who does not pray, according to the view that he is a disbeliever. If he repents sincerely and becomes regular in prayer, then there is no impediment to marrying him, especially if the marriage helps him on his path to guidance. You are not obligated to marry him, and there is no sin in rejecting him. Seeking guidance (istikharah) is recommended, not obligatory.