Chapter: Compatibility (kafāʾa) in Marriage

Lexically, kafāʾa means equality and resemblance. In the present context it refers to equality between the two spouses in five respects:

1. Religion. An impious, openly disobedient man is not a match for a chaste, upright woman, for his testimony and narration are rejected, which is a blemish upon his standing as a human being.

2. Lineage (status). A non-Arab—meaning anyone who is not of Arab descent—is not considered compatible with an Arab woman.

3. Freedom. A slave, whether wholly enslaved or partially emancipated, is not regarded as compatible with a free woman, because slavery diminishes a person’s standing.

4. Occupation. A man engaged in a lowly craft, such as cupping or weaving, is not deemed compatible with the daughter of a man who practices a dignified profession, such as trade and commerce.

5. Financial solvency. A man must possess sufficient wealth to provide the dower and ongoing maintenance that are due to his wife. An insolvent man is therefore not compatible with a wealthy woman, for his inability to support her would cause her harm by depriving her of her rightful maintenance.