What is the opinion of Imam Malik and Imam Al-Shafi'i regarding compatibility between spouses?
Compatibility (Kafa'ah) between spouses is defined as their equality or proximity in religion, lineage, and financial status. The Imams have differed on what constitutes these elements.
Imams Malik and Al-Shafi'i agreed on considering religion in compatibility, such that an unrighteous man is not compatible with a chaste woman.
As for lineage, the well-known position of Malik's is not to consider it, while Al-Shafi'i considered it.
The consideration of freedom is agreed upon by both, as it is mentioned in the that Barirah was given a choice after her manumission while her husband remained enslaved.
As for financial status, it is not considered by them in compatibility; a poor man is compatible with a rich woman according to the more preponderant view in their madhhabs.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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