𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (271)

The Marriage Meeting Sheikh Ibn Baz, may Allāh have mercy on him, outlined the conditions under which it is permissible to look at a potential spouse, stating: "The conditions permitting a man to look at a woman are six: 1⃣. No Privacy: The interaction must not be in seclusion. 2⃣. No Desire: The gaze must be free from desire; if he looks with desire, it becomes prohibited, as the purpose of looking is to gain awareness, not pleasure. 3⃣. Expectation of Acceptance: He should have a reasonable expectation that his proposal will be accepted. 4⃣. Restricted to What is Usually Visible: He should only look at what is commonly left exposed. 5⃣. Intention to Marry: He must be seriously intending to propose. If he simply wishes to browse among women, this is impermissible. 6⃣. Guidance for the Woman: The woman should not appear adorned, perfumed, or with makeup, kohl, or any such embellishment, as the purpose is not to incite desire. Displaying adornment is something a woman may do with her husband to invite intimacy. Such adornment in this context could lead to temptation, and in principle, it is prohibited since she is a non-relative (ajnabiyyah). Moreover, appearing in this manner may harm her if he marries her and later finds she does not possess the beauty he assumed, which may alter his view of her. Especially since Shayṭān often makes that which is forbidden appear more appealing than a man's lawful wife." [Majmū’ Al-Fatāwā (12/22)] 7⃣. Additionally, they should avoid long, useless discussions https://t.me/womensbenefits/214 NOTE: Sheikh Ibn ’Uthaymīn, may Allāh have mercy on him, states: "Is it permissible for him to speak with her? No, because speaking is more likely to provoke desire and enjoyment of her voice. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ said, 'that he may look at her,' and did not say 'that he may listen to her.'” [Ash-Sharḥ Al-Mumti’ (21/12)] However, Sheikh Ibn Baz, may Allāh have mercy on him, permitted speaking with a woman one intends to marry regarding matters that need to be known. He said: "It is permissible for a man, if he intends to propose to a woman, to speak with her and to look at her without being in seclusion. The Prophet ﷺ said to a man who came to consult him: ‘Have you looked at her?’ He replied, ‘No.’ The Prophet said, ‘Go and look at her.’ He also said, ‘If one of you proposes to a woman and is able to look at what will invite him to marry her, let him do so.’ LOOKING IS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN SPEAKING, so if speaking with her concerns matters related to marriage, living arrangements, or her personal qualities in order to assess her knowledge or suitability, there is no harm in doing so if he intends to propose. However, if he has no intention to propose, then it is not permissible." [Majmū’ Al-Fatāwā (20/430)]