Advice on Exaggeration in Mahr and Marrying Those Who Are Not Suitable

Question:
Your Eminence, father, he says: Is there any advice for those who exaggerate in the mahr (bridal gift) for their daughters, and for those who marry their daughters to someone who is not a suitable match, if he is wealthy? Some of them only care about the suitor’s financial status and say, “The suitor’s religion and his commitment are a matter between him and Allah, and that is not our concern.” The matter has reached the point where some of them marry their daughters to a man who does not pray, as long as he does not drink intoxicants or use narcotics, thus prioritizing these matters over prayer. What is your advice? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Every Muslim should fear Allah and beware of exaggerating in mahr (bridal gifts), both men and women alike. It is recommended to communicate with gentleness and avoid exaggeration in mahr and wedding feasts, so that young men and women can get married and not remain unmarried. It is recommended that brothers, neighbors, and relatives refrain from exaggeration, be content with an affordable mahr and a modest feast, and not burden themselves with expenses, so that the number of married people increases, the number of unmarried women in homes decreases, and young men get married and fulfill their desires regarding their private parts. This is part of cooperating in righteousness and piety. Allah the Exalted says: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety." So I advise all the brothers, men and women, to advise one another to avoid extravagance in mahr and feasts, and to prioritize a righteous husband and a righteous wife. The guardians (awliya) of the woman should strive for a righteous husband known for the soundness of his religion. Prayer is the greatest of matters after the testimony of faith; nothing is greater than prayer. It is greater than what intoxicates or involves riba (usury or interest), or whatever I know. No, prayer is the greatest of matters. The covenants of Islam are the greatest of matters after the two testimonies. Therefore, it is obligatory to pay attention to the husband; one should ask about him: Does he pray? Is he upright in his religion?
He should marry her. As for if he is deviant, no. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: And he said regarding a man: If a man asks about a woman, her religion is the most important thing, then her character, and her lineage. This is a secondary matter; the most important thing is her religion. If she is a wicked, corrupt woman, and he is young, even if he is the most handsome of people, or if he does not pray, or is a wicked, young man, even if he is the wealthiest or the best of people.
It is obligatory for men to be careful, and for women to be careful, and to cooperate in righteousness and piety. He should be careful that the woman is good in her religion, and he should be careful that the man is good in his religion. Everyone should cooperate to avoid extravagance in appearances and feasts, so that marriages increase and the number of unmarried women decreases. May Allah guide them all. Yes.