What is the standard of competence for marriage in Islam?

Compatibility between spouses is a universally agreed-upon concept in religion. Thus, a Muslim woman cannot marry a disbeliever, nor can a Muslim man marry a disbeliever, except for a chaste woman of the People of the Book. As for a known transgressor, he is forbidden from marrying a religious woman.

Regarding compatibility in lineage, scholars differ on two opinions: The majority consider it significant, citing a weak hadith (definition). However, Imam Malik and those who agree with him believe that only religiosity is the criterion, which is supported by religious texts such as the Almighty's saying: (Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you) and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "If there comes to you one whose character and religiosity you are pleased with, then marry him [to your daughter]," and that Bilal married Halah bint Awf.