Is wealth (Yasar) a condition for suitability in marriage?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
There are two narrations regarding wealth. One states it is a condition, supported by the saying, 'Lineage is wealth,' and the Prophet's statement regarding Mu'awiyah that he was poor ('Sa'luk, la mal lahu'). Wealth is necessary because the husband's poverty imposes harm upon the wife regarding her maintenance and the maintenance of their children, granting her the right to divorce due to failure in maintenance, which should apply equally if the poverty is inherent.
Supporting text
The second narration states that wealth is not a condition, as poverty can be an honor in religion, and the Prophet prayed for a life of humility. The required wealth is merely what enables the husband to provide the obligatory maintenance for his wife according to her status and pay her dower.