Why did the Prophet (peace be upon him) not begin with religion in the Hadith, "A woman is married for four reasons," or why did he not say "the righteous woman," and how can a righteous woman be identified?
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, concluded his discourse on the characteristics of the woman one should marry by mentioning the trait of religiosity (deen), to indicate its importance. The phrase "for her religiosity" means a righteous woman, for righteousness is her most important characteristic. A woman of faith avoids impurities, refines her character, is patient with her husband, and does not betray him, which makes his life pleasant. It has also been reported in other hadiths that a righteous woman is the best provision of this world, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, described her as "the one who, when he looks at her, she pleases him; when he commands her, she obeys him; and when he is absent from her, she guards herself and his property." The righteous woman is beautiful outwardly and inwardly, pleasing her husband with her beauty and good conduct, preserving his faith, obeying him in what is lawful (Sharia) and customary, and safeguarding his rights concerning herself, his property, his children, and his home.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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