What is the ruling on continuing an engagement to a girl whose appearance the suitor is not convinced by, despite her righteousness and religiosity, and is it permissible to break off an engagement due to not being convinced by her appearance, especially when fearing injustice, and particularly after repeated Istikhara prayers and an inability to settle on a decision?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the girl is religious, of good character, and acceptably beautiful, then religiosity is the most important criterion in marriage and takes precedence over other qualities. It is recommended to repeat the (prayer for guidance) and proceed with the marriage if her beauty is acceptable, for if there is good in it, Allah will facilitate it. However, if there is a fear that the marriage will fail, then it is preferable to break off the engagement, which is permissible out of need and disliked when there is no need.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/155603
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 155603
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy