Ruling on marrying an illiterate woman
Fatwa No: 38769

Question

I am a twenty-year-old young man with an illiterate fiancée. I do not mind that (her being illiterate). I have finished high school, I memorize the Quran and I lead people in prayers in the mosque. I am planning to join a university. Is marrying an illiterate woman considered a problem?

Answer

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.

In fact, if this girl is religious and well-mannered, then you should marry her without any delay; the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “A woman is married for four [reasons]: her beauty, her money, her noble ancestry and her religion. So, win the religious woman - otherwise, your hand will be besmeared with dust (i.e. you will be a loser).”  [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

However, we would like to advise you to edify your wife in the future on the Islamic rulings, principles, beliefs and acts of worship as well as teaching her all that she may need for her life affairs. Indeed, you will be greatly rewarded for this. Furthermore, she should obey you in this regard, for the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male or female)."

Allaah Knows best.

Related Fatwa