Guidance for the student of knowledge regarding the choice of a wife

The questioner:
What is your guidance for a student of knowledge who is seeking a wife, and what are the precise matters that must be taken into consideration in this issue?

The Shaykh:
Yes.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah pardon you, what is your guidance for a student of knowledge who is seeking a wife, and what are the precise matters that must be taken into consideration in this issue?

The Shaykh:
The student of knowledge and others alike; every Muslim who wishes to propose to a woman must verify her reality and her religion. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: It is permissible for him to look at what invites him and makes him desire her. There is no harm in his looking at what invites him to desire her, or what leads him to leave her, or if he sees that she is not suitable for him, he leaves her. It is permissible for him to look at her in the presence of her guardian, or he may wait for her in a place where she is unaware and look at her face and hands. He must consider, first of all, choosing one who has religion, one who has religion, yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you