We all know that the messenger of Allah (pbuh) has encouraged us to seek a righteous woman (Thaatu Din) for marriage. To ensure that the woman they're trying to marry is indeed righteous, some youth require that their wives have certain requirements such as memorizing Qur'an (or most of it) and wearing Niqab (i.e. coving their faces). Are these valid requirements in Islam?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

No doubt that looking for the woman who memorizes the Quran and the one who wears Niqaab is included in the Hadeeth: “Choose the religious woman.”

In fact, looking for such characteristics is not only lawful but also highly recommended. However, this does not mean that the woman who does not memorize the Quran, or most of it is not religious. She might even be more pious than the one who memorizes the Quran and puts on Niqaab.

However, the young man who wants to marry should spare no effort to get the woman who has the most Islamic characteristics and who adheres to Islam perfectly. But he should not be too idealistic. He should not try to find the impossible.

Allah knows best.