𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (417)

Is it permissible for a woman to sit in the presence of her prospective suitor in the company of another female? Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah said: There is no objection for her to sit in front of the suitor so that he may observe her, provided there is no seclusion. She should be accompanied by her father, brother, mother, a female relative, or someone similar. He is not permitted to be alone with her. The Prophet ﷺ instructed a suitor: “Go and look at her.” He ﷺ also said: “If any of you proposes to a woman, and he is able to look at what may lead him to desire marriage, let him do so.” The meaning is that if it is possible for him to see her under these conditions, it is appropriate, as it increases the likelihood of compatibility, the success of the engagement, and eventually the success of the marriage. However, he is not allowed to be alone with her; he may only see her in the presence of others, such as her father or a similar guardian. Presenter: May Allah reward you. The sister also asks, Sheikh, about repeating such meetings—how should that be handled? Sheikh: If there is a genuine need to meet more than once, there is no harm. For example, if the first meeting was insufficient or a second meeting is necessary, it is permissible in order for both parties to know each other properly. Presenter: But what about regular or continuous meetings? Sheikh: Continuous meetings without need are not appropriate, because the default ruling is prohibition. It is only permitted for a valid interest or necessity. Frequent repetition without need may lead to corruption, possible seclusion, or even zina (fornication), may Allah protect us. This is something that has occurred to many people. Source: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/8742/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B3-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B3 ------- It is permissible for a man to look at a woman whom he intends to marry, whether with her knowledge or without it, based on the narration reported by Abu Dawood and Ahmad from Jabir (may Allāh be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If one of you proposes to a woman, and he is able to look at what may lead him to desire marriage, let him do so.” He said: “I proposed to a woman, and I used to conceal myself from her until I saw from her what led me to marry her, so I married her.” The presence of a mahram is not required in this case, nor is her permission required. What is forbidden, however, is being alone with her (khalwah). It is permissible for him to look at her in the presence of his mother or sister. However, one must observe social norms so that there are no negative consequences for either party. ---------- Conditions that must be taken into account: 1. A strong expectation of her consent and the approval of her lawful guardian for the marriage. 2. The viewing must occur from one who serious about marriage. 3. The viewing should not be repeated except as necessary. 4. He should only look at her face and hands, according to the majority of scholars. 5. The viewing should not be for sexual gratification. 6. He must not be alone with her, according to all scholars. This condition can be fulfilled if, for example, her sister and her sister’s husband are present, as mentioned above.