Forty Gems of Beauty — Page 79
79 unhappy on account of her features and looks. On another occasion when a woman called on him to have his advice in regard to her marriage, the Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that he would not advise her to marry a certain individual because he was poor and badly off and would not be able to bear her expenses, nor could he advise her to marry a certain another individual, for he was very high-handed, but she could marry one who, in his opinion, was suited to her circumstances. On another occasion, he said to the companions that women of the Quraish were excellent in respect to their loyalty to their husbands and love for their children. And on another occasion, the Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) advised marriage with women who are prolific in bearing children, so that he could feel happy on the Day of Resurrection over the numerousness of his followers. In short, he has drawn attention to other aspects as well in their proper perspective and within their due limits. But what he stressed most was that preference should, in any case, be given to religious and moral aspects; otherwise, one is bound to have one’s hands ever soiled with dust and owe it entirely to himself. This is the golden teaching, observance of which can turn the homes of Muslims into cradles of bliss and felicity. Would that they understood.