Between a girl who has memorized the Qur'an but is not beautiful, and a beautiful girl who has memorized little of the Qur'an, which of them is preferred for marriage, and is it permissible to perform Istikhara between them?

It is desirable to marry a beautiful woman because she is more calming for the husband's soul, more lowering for his gaze, and more conducive to his affection. For this reason, looking [at the prospective spouse] before marriage was legislated. Marrying a woman who memorizes the Qur’an has many benefits due to its effect on raising children upon faith and the Qur’an. It is advisable to be patient in order to find a woman who combines physical beauty with Qur’an memorization. If that is not possible, one can consider a Qur’an memorizer, as her beauty might be appealing, since beauty is relative. If one's soul is repelled by her but attracted to another, there is no harm in marrying the latter, as long as she possesses good character and religious commitment. One must resort to Allah with supplication and Istikhara (prayer for guidance), as Istikhara in this situation is neither forbidden nor disliked.