If a man comes to propose, should he be judged by his eeman only ?

 

al-Allaamah Rabee' al-Madkhalee

Question :
If a man comes seeking marriage, is he just to be judged with eemaan -as has reached us in the hadeeth of the slave-girl - and thus , we do not question him concerning his prayer [1] ?

Answer :
The one who will give (the girl) in marriage should ask about him and seek advice (from others).

Ask about his religion and character until you know that he is upon the religion and good character:
" When there comes to you one whose religion and character pleases you, then marry him off. If you do not, there will be corruption and great immorality in the land " [2]

So this is a responsibility:
When you seek to engage in trade with a man, do you inquire in this manner about the man or , certainly you will ask about his faithfulness, trustworthiness and loyalty?

So certainly, take precaution for you are responsible for her ;
" And each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock " [3]

(And) How will they live : if this one (i.e. the man seeking marriage) is immoral and does not pray?
How will she live with him , when she is committed (to the religion)?

So there is no doubt ; (of the importance) of questioning and researching until you know what is of this man, concerning good character and what is with him concerning the religion.

Shaykh Rabee' al-Madkhalee

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Footnotes:
[1] Prayer is mentioned here ; but it encompasses all is deeds and adherence to the commandments of Allaah.
[2] Narrated by at-Tirmidhee (No. 1085) and he said: A hasan ghareeb hadeeth. And it was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Irwaa'al ghaleel (No. 1868).
[3] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (No. 4892) and Saheeh Muslim (No. 1829).

Source : http://www.rabee.net/show_fatwa.aspx?id=192

Translation by :Umm 'Aaishah
Translation checked by : Aboo Waheeda as-Salafee