MARRIAGE | Interview and proposal |

Looking at other than the face and hands of the woman he wishes to propose to

Question: Is it permissible for a man to look at other than the face and hands of the woman he wishes to propose to, such as looking at her hair and her neck?

Response: That which is apparent to me, and Allaah knows best, is that this is permissible without a previous agreement. He (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said that which means:

«If anyone's heart settles on proposing to a woman, then he can look at that which will lead him to marry her».

[Translators note: This is the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn 'Abdillaah (radhi-yallaahu 'anhu) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

«If any of you has proposed to a woman, and if he is able to look at that which will lead him to marry her, then he should do so»]

As regards a previous agreement, then it is not permissible to look at more than the face and hands.

Shaykh al-Albaanee

Fataawa Muhimmah li-Nisaa. al-Ummah – Page 138

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Published: 2 July 2003