6- If, however, the motive is religion, then that is the unbreakable rope; its knot endures the longest and its outcome is the most commendable.

7- A narration conveying the same sense is recorded by Ibn Mājah, al-Bazzār, and al-Bayhaqī from ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ: “Do not marry women for their beauty, for beauty may destroy them; nor for their wealth, for wealth may make them arrogant. Marry them for their religion, and a black, clumsy bondwoman who possesses piety is better.” Ibn Kathīr remarked, “Its chain contains al-Ifrīqī, who is weak.” Shaykh Aḥmad Shākir, however, held that “its chain is sound; the al-Ifrīqī in the isnād is trustworthy, and those who graded him weak were mistaken.”
The Exalted also says: “Do not marry idolatrous women until they believe; a believing slave-girl is better than an idolatress, even though she may please you. And do not marry your women to idolaters until they believe; a believing slave is better than an idolater, even though he may please you. Those invite to the Fire, whereas Allah invites to the Garden and to forgiveness by His leave, and He makes His signs clear to mankind so that they may take heed.” (2:221)
This comparison is meant to underscore the superiority of one who possesses religion and good character.

8- The ḥadith teaches that a person should not let society be his sole model, nor make popular practices his criterion. The Prophet ﷺ identified three types of people who err in choosing a wife’s qualities, and only one type that succeeds.

9- It also instructs a person to look to the future in his decisions rather than aiming only at immediate gain. The wife who is upright in her religion safeguards him in her person, in his household, and in his wealth; she is the righteous and trustworthy companion.

10- The ḥadith does not forbid a man from wishing for lineage, beauty, or wealth alongside religion. What is blameworthy is to neglect the most important trait in a wife—her religion.