Translation of the words used to describe the qualities to look for in a spouse

Question

Kindly provide the translation for the following portion of the Hadith:

فاظْفَرْ بذاتِ الدِّينِ، تَرِبَتْ يَداكَ

 

Answer

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5090)

 

Hereunder is a translation of the aforementioned words in question:

• فاظْفَرْ بذاتِ الدِّينِ – Be victorious through (marrying) the one with/possessing din (religion).
• تَرِبَتْ يَداكَ – May your hands be soiled (with dust/dirt) – This phrase was commonly used to show seriousness and to force the listener to accept. Its literal meaning is not intended.

(Refer: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5090, and Mirqat, Hadith: 3082)

 

Translation of the full narration

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has reported that Nabi (sallalalhu ‘alayhi wasallam) has said: ‘A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her din (religion). Be victorious through (marrying) the one with/possessing din (religion). May your hands be soiled (with dust/dirt).

 

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar