I genuinely don’t understand why some people prioritize ethnic background so heavily when it comes to marriage.
From what I’ve seen, a lot of profiles that clearly state “Iraqi / Lebanese / Arab” almost always also include “only looking for the same.” I understand having a preference for your own culture, but the rate at which this happens, especially in Arab communities, seems way too high to just be a simple preference.
Personally, I believe Shias should place very little weight on ethnicity and focus much more on iman, taqwa, and commitment to building a Mehdawi life. That, to me, should be the central purpose, not where someone is from.
I’ll be honest, when I see strong emphasis on ethnicity in a bio (especially Lebanese, just from my observation), I usually assume it’s a hard boundary and don’t bother reading further. Maybe that’s unfair, but that’s the impression it gives.
To be clear, I’m not hating on any group or ethnicity. I’m just genuinely confused by the mindset. It often comes across as “I’m Arab, therefore I’m better,” even if that’s not what’s being said directly. And that doesn’t align with what we’re taught, that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, and vice versa.
So I want to ask those who hold these preferences:
If it’s truly just a “preference,” what’s actually behind it?
Is it really personal choice, or more family and social pressure?
Or is there another reason people don’t usually say openly?
I’m not trying to attack anyone, I’m trying to understand the real reasoning.
Again please don’t downvote this because I hurt your feelings or something, I genuinely want to know.