Marrying the poor

Q: A Muslim young man, who I consider to be good and well mannered, has proposed to my sister, but he does not have the basic requirements for maintaining a home. Please bear in mind the following:1. My family requests him to secure nothing more than food, accommodation and clothing. (Part No. 18; Page No. 415) They were not even specific as regards how these things should be secured.2. He has no disability that hinders him from keeping a permanent job.3. He is 21 years old.My question is: Is it permissible to reject this marriage proposal as he is unable to bear the responsibility of maintenance expenses? It is noteworthy that he memorizes the Qur'an, is religiously committed and has a good character. Kindly, answer me as soon as possible as I fear disobeying the Prophet (peace be upon him) who said, If someone with a satisfactory standard of faith and good conduct comes to you seeking marriage, then give him (your daughter or sister) in marriage... My father left me in charge of my sisters' marriage, so I am keen to marry them to people who will not cause any problems or embarrassment to my father.

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, being a poor suitor may not be an impediment that prevents him being accepted as a husband for your sister as long as she gives her consent. Allah (Exalted be He) will enrich him out of His Bounty, as He says, And marry those among you who are single (i.e. a man who has no wife and the woman who has no husband) and (also marry) the Sâlihûn (pious, fit and capable ones) of your (male) slaves and maid-servants (female slaves). If they be poor, Allâh will enrich them out of His Bounty. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knowing (about the state of the people). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.