Should We Marry "Potential"?

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Salaam to all.


potential
[Middle English potencial, from Old French potenciel, from Late Latin potentiālis, (powerful), from Latin potentia, (power), from potēns, potent-, present participle of posse, to be able; see "potent".]
adj.
Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent: "a potential problem".
Having possibility, capability, or power.
Grammar: Of, relating to, or being a verbal construction with auxiliaries such as "may" or "can"; for example, "it may snow".
n.
The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.
Something possessing the capacity for growth or development.
Grammar: A potential verb form.
Physics: The work required to move a unit of positive charge, a magnetic pole, or an amount of mass from a reference point to a designated point in a static electric, magnetic, or gravitational field; potential energy.


potent
[Origin: 1490–1500; fr. L potent- (s. of poténs), prp. of posse (to be able, have power); see -ent]2. cogent; persuasive: Several potent arguments were in his favor.
3. producing powerful physical or chemical effects: a potent drug.
4. having or exercising great power or influence: a potent factor in the economy.


"Ye shall know a tree by the fruit it bears, and ye shall know a man by his works."--Bible

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When speaking of whether or not to marry "potential", we have to be very careful. We ALL have "potential", but how close are we to REALIZING that potential?

Master Fard Muhammad saw the "Potential" in us to become a "New and Perfect" people, but have we REALIZED that potential? He said that it would take 1,000 years to bring out of us the people (potential) that He saw in us. He also said that He, Himself, would not live past 400 years (or until His Mind is Law among the people). This suggests that He has committed Himself to us as a People to cultivate a Potential in us that will not be fully realized until 600 years after He is Gone!...MY GOD!!...How many of US have that kind of LOVE??? WHEW!!...lol.

When we find ourselves considering choosing a mate on the Basis of their "potential", we have to keep in mind that the potential we see may not be realized right away. Maybe it will not be realized in his or her lifetime, but will be realized in his or her children...or grandchildren.

So I think we need to keep an eye on the present reality of the propective mate, in addition to considering his or her "potential". How close is their potential to actually being realized? And are we willing to invest the required amount of time and energy in helping to cultivate that potential? Each person must answer that question for themselves.

Remember, "...ye shall know a man (or woman) by his WORKS.."
It doesn't say, "...by his POTENTIAL."

Allah Knows Best.

RM