Is it permissible to send a picture of a niqabi woman to a man for the purpose of engagement, or for the suitor and the prospective bride to see each other via Skype for the legitimate viewing, or for her to uncover her hair and wear makeup during this viewing in the presence of a mahram? And is it permissible for the suitor and the prospective bride to exchange messages to preserve the marriage covenant?

There is no objection to the suitor seeing a photograph of the fiancée during the engagement, provided that no non-mahram individuals have access to it, and with adherence to the following conditions: that the suitor has a firm desire for marriage, not merely polygyny; that he predominantly expects approval; that the viewing takes place in the presence of her family and not in seclusion; that the viewing is restricted to what is commonly visible, such as the face, head, and any hair on it, the hands, forearms, feet, and lower parts of the legs; and that this viewing is not accompanied by any pleasure derived from conversation.

Scholars have differed on what parts may be viewed, with the majority opinion limiting it to the face and hands only.

Regarding writing a pledge of marriage, there is no objection to it, but it should not be done because both parties might face embarrassment if they are unable to fulfill it or if it is not fulfilled. This pledge does not establish matrimony, which depends on the conditions of a valid marriage, nor does it obligate marriage, but it should not be unfulfilled without a valid excuse.