The prudence of His Holiness Ali (P) on selection of Ummul...

The prudence of His Holiness Ali (P) on selection of Ummul Banin indicates that a great part of child’s personality is transmitted through genetics (genes-chromosomes). It is clear that the chromosomes do not entirely transfer all characteristics. The ground for formation of characteristics is prepared during the stage of chemical processes and physiologic growth.

Whose personality characteristics are more important and focused from the Islamic point of view, that of the mother or that of the father? There are some recommendations in the Traditions regarding the father’s characteristics just like that of the mother. The characteristics of both mother and father are given importance in Islam. In general, marriage in Islam has a specific culture contrary to certain countries wherein discipline and ethics are not usually observed.

On occasions where you are concerned of the moral characteristics of woman or that of man, considering that in the Islamic family the structure of guardianship usually rests upon the man and the man heading the family will be more effective, precaution should be observed regarding the man.

Imam Ali (P) states: لان المرأة تاخذ من ادب زوجها و يقهرها علي دينه "A woman is under the influence of her husband.”6 و يقهرها علي دينه Meaning that if one gives her daughter to a man who is not of the same religious level, the man can influence the wife in the long run. Of course, these are not in general and there are particular cases, too. However, if the management of the house were upon the man he would be effective in influencing the moral and religious aspects.

It has been observed through experience that when a woman of a noble family entered a family of a different line of thought, it is the woman who would be influenced. Imam Sadiq (P) states: العارفه لا توزع الا عند العارف. "Al’arefah in gnosis means a woman of a specific awareness and insight who has high level from the mental and cultural perspective if such a woman marries a person incompatible to her she will encounter a problem.

Altogether, these have been referred to in verse 26 of Chapter Nur (Light), in two words "impure" and "pure", covering all the mentioned points. What are the factors of compatibility of woman and man from the Islamic point of view?