Question Summary:
I don’t have strong feelings for this girl. She is a good girl. I am not happy marrying her. What should I do?

Question Detail:

I don't have strong feelings for this girl. I don't love her in any way, whether physical or emotional. The only thing positive about this girl is that she is concious of her religion and reads her prayers. She is also very trustworthy. I had an imam do Istikara for me and advised that I should go ahead and marry her even though I don't like her. My parents abd her parents are very happy with us getting married. She is happy but not me. Advise me as to what I should do?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh
Our noble teacher and guide, the Prophet Ṣallallāhu ʿalaihi wa Sallam, advised those who are searching for a wife the following:
»تُنْكَحُ المَرْأَةُ لِأَرْبَعٍ: لِمَالِهَا وَلِحَسَبِهَا وَجَمَالِهَا وَلِدِينِهَا، فَاظْفَرْ بِذَاتِ الدِّينِ، تَرِبَتْ يَدَاكَ»[1]
A woman is married for four (qualities): Her wealth, her nobility, her beauty and her piety. Be successful (by choosing) a woman who is pious. May your hands be soiled (This is an Arabic expression meaning: I encourage you to do thus). (Bukhāri, no. 5090; Muslim, no. 3620)
A person should therefore give special consideration to the piety of a woman among other factors when choosing a wife.[2]
Nevertheless, it is important that there is compatibility between two individuals for a successful marriage. As for your case, if you have a strong fear that by not been attracted to the girl you will not be able to fulfill her rights after marriage, it will not be correct for you to marry her.
If you marry her, you will be the one she is married to and she will be your partner and spouse, therefore your happiness is of foremost importance.
If you are not attracted to her in any way and you are not happy marrying her, it is advisable for you not to marry her. This would be better for you and her.
And Allah Taʿālā Knows Best
Mahmood Patel
Student, Darul Iftaa
Azaadville, South Africa
Checked and Approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
www.daruliftaa.net