What is the hymen? And what is the difference between a virgin and a non-virgin woman?

The hymen is a membrane that closes the vaginal opening in virgin girls. Its shapes and thicknesses vary among them, and it is rare for a girl to be born without it. It can rupture for several reasons.

The difference between a virgin (bikr) and a non-virgin (thayyib): A virgin is she whose hymen has not been removed by intercourse, while a non-virgin is she whose hymen has been removed by intercourse. The Sharia texts have encouraged choosing a virgin for marriage, as in the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Jabir: "Why not a young virgin girl whom you could play with and who could play with you?" And his saying: "Marry virgins, for they have sweeter mouths, are more fertile, and are more content with little."