Why are lineage, beauty, and wealth added for consideration only when choosing a woman, even though only religion and character are considered when choosing a man?
In both hadiths, the Prophet (peace be upon him) guided towards choosing a religious person for marriage, whether male or female.
In the first hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the reasons for which men desire women, then guided them to prioritize the religious woman.
In the second hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) addressed the guardians of women, commanding them to marry off their daughters to men of religion and good character, and warning them against rejecting such men in favor of those with wealth and status, as that would lead to trials (fitna) and corruption on Earth.
Women may desire a man's beauty and wealth more than men desire a woman's wealth, because women's benefit from a man's wealth may be greater, as it provides for their sustenance and clothing.
The mention of lineage and wealth in the first hadith is not exclusive to men; women also desire men's beauty and lineage. Women may desire a man's wealth and beauty even more, as his wealth provides her with sustenance and clothing.
Lineage and what accompanies it were not mentioned in the second hadith because the corruption and trials resulting from rejecting a man of religion and good character do not arise from rejecting a wealthy man who lacks morals and religion.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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