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Dear teacher,
People quote a hadith from the Prophet (peace be upon him), though I do not know its sources. They say that when he was asked how to choose a wife, he replied: “Seek goodness in those with beautiful faces.”
If this is true, does it mean that people who are not physically attractive cannot be good by nature? Please explain.
In the Prophetic hadith, “ḥisān al-wujūh” refers to graciousness and a welcoming manner—the way good character shows itself outwardly—not simply physical beauty. A good inner character leaves its mark on the face, bringing joy and calm to those who see it. Other reports, too, emphasise the importance of inward beauty.
“حسان الوجوه” refers to a pleasant, welcoming expression—the outward reflection of good character.
قال رسول الله ص اطلبوا الخیر عند حسان الوجوه
بحار الأنوار (ط - بیروت)، ج67، ص: 9
“Seek goodness among those with pleasant faces.”
“حسان الوجوه” cannot refer simply to outward beauty. A person’s inner goodness leaves its mark on the face, bringing joy, delight and calm to those around them.
Likewise, “خیرات حسان” refers to women who are good inwardly, distinguished by their righteousness and spiritual understanding.
عن أبی أیوب عن الحلبی قال: سألت أبا عبد الله ع عن قول الله عز و جل- فیهن خیرات حسان قال هن صوالح المؤمنات العارفات
“فیهن خیرات حسان” means that they are women of good character and pleasant countenance.
الإختصاص، النص، ص: 352
Another indication in support of this point is the emphasis the Infallibles (peace be upon them) place on inner beauty, rather than outward appearance.
بإسناده قال: قام رسول الله ص خطیبا فقال أیها الناس إیاکم و خضراء الدمن «1» قیل یا رسول الله و ما خضراء الدمن قال المرأه الحسناء فی منبت السوء.
الکافی (ط - الإسلامیه)، ج5، ص: 332
The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) addressed the people, saying, “People, beware of خضراء الدمن.” They asked, “Messenger of God, what is خضراء الدمن?” He replied, “A beautiful woman raised in a corrupt family.”
من لا یحضره الفقیه / ترجمه غفارى، على اکبر ومحمد جواد و بلاغى، صدر، ج5، ص: 22
عن هشام بن الحکم عن أبی عبد الله ع قال: إذا تزوج الرجل المرأه لجمالها أو مالها وکل إلى ذلک و إذا تزوجها لدینها رزقه الله الجمال و المال.
الکافی (ط - الإسلامیه)، ج5، ص: 333
Hisham ibn al-Hakam relates that Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: “If a man marries a woman for her wealth or beauty, he is left to rely on those things. But if he marries her for her faith, God, Mighty and Majestic, will also grant him beauty and wealth.”
من لا یحضره الفقیه / ترجمه غفارى، على اکبر ومحمد جواد و بلاغى، صدر، ج5، ص: 24