He says: How do we reconcile the encouragement to marry a virgin.

And most of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ were not virgins.

Yes, marrying a virgin is better in the sense that this girl or woman you marry has not seen any man other than you.

She has not known anyone but you and does not compare you to others.

Also, usually the virgin is young, from this perspective.

As the Prophet ﷺ said: Why not a virgin, so you could play with her and she could play with you.

As for the Prophet ﷺ, he married a virgin, who was Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, and he also married women who were not virgins.

ﷺ for a reason, ﷺ.

In any case, the fact that he commands us to do this or encourages us to do it does not mean it is haram. That is why when Jabir married a previously married woman, the Prophet ﷺ did not object to it.

He said, if you had only married a virgin, but the Prophet did what is permissible and allowed ﷺ.