What are the limits of the religiously permissible viewing of a fiancée according to the four schools of thought, how are disputes between the families of the bride and groom regarding this point resolved, and what is the ruling on disparaging scholars who permitted viewing beyond the face and hands?
Looking at the fiancée is permissible, not obligatory, and most scholars consider it commendable. The majority of them hold that what is permissible to look at is only the face and hands. Some scholars permit looking at what is usually uncovered, such as the hair on the head and neck.
If the fiancée or her family do not permit looking at anything other than the face and hands, then the suitor is not obliged to seek permission. He can send a woman to look at the fiancée and describe her to him.
It is permissible for the suitor to look at the fiancée without her permission or the permission of her guardian if he is determined to propose and expects her acceptance. Whoever acts according to one of the scholarly opinions in matters of disagreement is not at fault, and it is not permissible for anyone to denounce scholars due to their Ijtihadi (exercised independent reasoning) opinions.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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