As salamu alayukm brother,

 

Shokran for writing to our live session.  Brother, it is normal and natural to feel nervous and unsure when first committing to a marriage.  You stated you went to see her and liked her but you were not fully convinced.  Please do look at the reasons you were not convinced.  They may be valid reasons brother, or you may have just become nervous.  Did you get to spend halal time with this girl getting to know her and asking her questions?  Were you comfortable with her family?  Did you talk to your parents about their impression of her and her family?  Why did you feel you would not be able to make her happy?

 

Self Reflection

When contemplating marriage it is important to establish as best as possible mutual commonalities and values.   This can only be done by getting to know the person in a halal setting.  Perhaps you did not know enough about her brother to make an informed decision thus you backed out of the marriage.  While yes it is sad that you backed out and it hurt her and the family however it is better to do so now than to marry knowing it will probably not work out.  That could lead to deeper hurt and problems in the future.

 

In your case brother, perhaps you need to do some self-reflection for future proposals as you stated you were afraid you would not be able to make her happy.  This may be indicative of low self-esteem on your part or high expectations on the girl’s part.  Whatever the case may be, insha’Allah please do evaluate what you are feeling in regards to making a potential wife happy.  I am sure that insha’Allah you will make a wonderful husband. Perhaps you just need to work on your confidence levels as well as your self-esteem and what you do bring to a marriage.  This is a common fear for many men seeking marriage.  However much of this fear can be reduced or eliminated by getting to know one’s intended spouse in a halal way.

 

Preparing for the Future

Brother, while you can’t go back in time and recant calling off the marriage, please do insha’Allah prepare for next time.  Make a list of your attributes, good qualities, abilities, as well as what you can bring to the marriage as a husband (I am sure there is a lot!). This will give you confidence.  Ensure that you spend adequate time getting to know the girl and her family in a halal way so you feel comfortable in your pursuit.  Lastly and most important, seek out Allah’s signs by making Istikharah prayer.

 

We wish you the best, you are in our prayers.