What is the ruling on dividing people into classes?

Question : In this time, a phenomenon has spread of dividing people into two classes or more. They say, "This one is a Qabaili, and this one is a Khudairi," and they prevent a Khudairi from marrying a Qabaili, even if he is righteous and of good character, because they say he is not of noble lineage. What is your opinion?

Answer : We say that the division of people into two classes or into classes is a matter known by Shari'ah and by divine decree, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned in his saying that . So this is something that is necessary by Shari'ah and by nature. People are in classes, and the best of them in the pre-Islamic age of ignorance are the best of them in Islam if they understand. No one denies that. But for us to make that a criterion for accepting a suitor or rejecting him, that is what is subject to scrutiny. Some scholars considered this matter and said that a non-Qabaili should not be married to a known woman from known tribes because he is not her equal. Some scholars even went further and said that if a non-Qabaili is married to a Qabaili woman, the marriage is defective and not valid, even if both parties are willing. But this is a strict opinion. The correct view in this matter is that if both parties are satisfied with a non-Qabaili marrying a Qabaili woman, there is no harm in it and no blame, as long as he is satisfactory in his religion and character. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: