The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "A woman may be married for four reasons: for her property, for her family status, for her beauty and for her religion. So choose the woman who is religious." Please explain the meaning of the Hadeeth. May Allaah reward you.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa'i, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah narrated this Hadeeth. It means that people usually choose a woman to marry because of her beauty, wealth, family status or religion. However, it is proper for chivalrous and religious men to make religion their main criterion when accepting or rejecting anything, especially in matters that are long lasting and have substantial effect on their lives. 

Therefore the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, strongly urged Muslims to choose a religious wife. This is the optimal choice and it ensures optimal happiness. However, if the other characteristics are available, including religion, then this will be even better. Otherwise, the religious woman is the worthiest of being chosen and sought.