Hadith Commentary: The Book on Marriage

This narration from Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1086 provides profound guidance on the criteria for selecting a spouse in Islam, emphasizing spiritual priorities over worldly considerations.

Primary Meaning

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ identifies three common motivations for marriage: religious commitment (din), wealth (mal), and physical beauty (jamal). While people naturally consider these factors, the hadith clearly prioritizes religious character above all else.

The phrase "may your hands be dusty" is an Arabic expression urging earnestness and diligence in following this advice, similar to saying "make sure you do this properly."

Scholarly Interpretation

Classical scholars explain that while beauty and wealth may be considered, they should never supersede religious commitment. A pious spouse becomes the foundation for a blessed household and righteous offspring.

Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic), indicating its reliable chain of transmission and sound meaning.

Practical Application

This teaching applies to both men and women seeking marriage. The primary quality to seek in a potential spouse is taqwa (God-consciousness) and adherence to Islamic principles.

The wisdom behind this prioritization is that religious commitment ensures mutual rights are respected, conflicts are resolved Islamically, and the marriage becomes an act of worship rather than mere worldly companionship.