A Qualitative Study of Young Girls' Views on the Criteria for Choosing a Spouse based on the Qur'anic Model of Sahmgozari

Elahe  Pakseresht; Kowsar  Dehdast

doi:10.18502/qjcr.v24i93.19069

Elahe Pakseresht Master of Family Counseling, Department of Counseling, Refah University, Tehran, Iran
Kowsar Dehdast Ph.D Counseling, Assistant Professor. Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/qjcr.v24i93.19069

Keywords: qualitative study, young women, spouse selection criteria, Quranic Sahmgozari model

Abstract

Aim: In response to the growing need for contextualized criteria for spouseselection in Iranian society, this study explores the lived experiences of youngwomen regarding such criteria, based on the Sahmgozari (participatorycontribution) approach rooted in Islamic ontology. Methods: Using aphenomenological approach, purposeful sampling was conducted with 16 marriedyoung women who exhibited key indicators of the Sahmgozari lifestyle—such asfeelings of tranquility and personal development, agency, and formativerelationships. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and continued untiltheoretical saturation was reached. Data were then coded and analyzed. Findings:The analysis yielded three main pre-marital criteria for achieving the “desired selfas a contributor in marital life.” The first criterion was development-oriented andtranquility-promoting attitudes in spouses; the second was awareness andpreparedness regarding factors of similarity and difference; and the third wasawareness of personal growth and maturity trajectories. Conclusion: Spouseselection criteria based on the Sahmgozari approach can broaden young women’sperspectives on marriage and support them in making rational and meaningfulchoices.