However, a person may choose a previously married woman for certain reasons, as Jabir ibn Abdullah did. He chose a previously married woman because his father, Abdullah ibn Haram, was martyred at Uhud and left behind daughters who needed someone to look after them. Had he married a virgin, she would not have attended to their service and expenses. Therefore, he chose a previously married woman to care for his sisters. When he informed the Prophet ﷺ of this, the Prophet ﷺ approved of it. Thus, if a person chooses a previously married woman for other purposes, she may be preferable. This shows that circumstances must be taken into consideration, and that preference depends on such considerations, as mentioned previously.

“Fertile, …”

His statement, “fertile,” means one who bears many children. Outwardly, this appears to conflict with his statement, “a virgin,” because a virgin has not given birth, so how can it be known whether she is fertile? But there is no contradiction. This may be known by looking at her female relatives: if she comes from women known for bearing many children, then most likely she will be like them. Thus, one should choose a woman whose female relatives are known for bearing many children, because the Prophet ﷺ commanded this, saying: “Marry the loving, fertile woman, for I will boast of your numbers before the prophets on the Day of Resurrection.” (1)

This is because a large community is a source of strength and honor for it. Beware of the claim of the materialists who say that a large population necessarily leads to poverty, unemployment, idleness, and indeed, abundance—