[الطامعة في رضا ربها]

Fifth dubiosity
Impeding marriage

Another group of our young single sisters pertain their non-commitment to hide their modesty to the fear of not getting married.
In many cases this dubiosity is shared by our sisters and their parents. It stems from the fear that young men will not ask for the hand of a girl for marriage unless they see her hair, her beauty, and the shape of her body. Therefore if the young women was covered, then no one will approach her for marriage. In fact Satan uses this fear to stir this dubiosity in their heart.
There are two points that repudiate this dubiosity:
The first point: The ideological and theoretical aspect
Even though beauty is a major reason for marrying a woman, yet it is not the only reason. The Messenger of Allah (Blessing and peace be upon him), indicated the different reasons which make men marry. He said:
تُنكح المرأة لأربع: لمالها ولحسبها ولدينها ، فاظفر بذات الدينِ تَرِبَتْ يَداك.
"A woman is married for four reasons: Her wealth, her family, her beauty, and her piety; do your best to win the pious one, may your hand be soiled with dirt."1
(The last phrase is used as form of affection.)
The above hadith clearly indicated that people do not seek beauty only. Rather there are reasons and conditions that may be less, more, or as important as beauty. Consequently, assuming( as some of our sisters and their parents do) that beauty is the one and only thing that people are looking for, while searching for a wife is not true. It indicates ignorance of the nature of man.
The second point: The practical aspect
Many of the young men in our society, insist on marrying a woman committed to cover up her modesty and of a good reputation, even though that the suitor himself might not be committed. Consequently, displaying the young woman's beauty and make up, may be the reason why young men would not approach a prospective wife. The young men's logic is that if this woman has carelessly ignored a divine order, (which is to cover up her modesty-observing hijab), then it is also likely that she may disregard other divine orders for the ways of Satan.

1)
Bukhari, vol. 9, p. 115 under the chapter of Marriage.

to be continued ensha'Allah