Should a Muslim man marry a girl who is "Muslim in name only" for the purpose of teaching her, or should he reject her due to her lack of beauty, fearing the impact of that on the future of their children?
A woman's beauty is one of the natural factors that make one desire to marry her. Islamic law has commanded us to choose a beautiful wife, based on the hadith: "Which women are best?" He said: "The one who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he commands her, and does not contradict him regarding herself or his wealth in a way he dislikes." This is because she is more soothing to his soul, more lowering of his gaze, and more complete for his affection.
If the girl is committed to the obligations and rulings of the religion, and her beauty invites marriage, then we see no impediment to marrying her. Her short stature or her not being exceptionally beautiful does not detract from her.
As for the questioner's fears about the impact of this on children, it is an unconfirmed matter.
We also draw attention to the prohibition of mixing with a non-mahram girl before the correct legal marriage contract.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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