Choosing a Wife

**Prioritize Religion:** The Prophet ﷺ said: "A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. **Win the one with religion, may your hands be rubbed with dust (prosper)**" [Bukhari & Muslim] So one should prioritize the woman with religion first and make that the basis of his choice, not anything else. **Fertility:** It is also Sunnah to choose a fertile wife. - **Evidence:** Anas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Marry the loving and fertile, for I will boast of your numbers among the nations on the Day of Resurrection" [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i - sahih] **Virginity:** It is Sunnah to choose a virgin. - **Evidence:** Jabir رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ said to him: "Why not a virgin whom you could play with and who could play with you?" [Bukhari & Muslim] - Unless there is a benefit in marrying a previously married woman, in which case she takes precedence. **Beauty:** One should choose a beautiful wife, as she is more calming to his soul, more lowering of his gaze, and more conducive to his affection.