What is the ruling on looking at women with the intention of getting to know them?

The fundamental principle is the obligation to lower one's gaze from women, based on the Almighty's saying: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze," and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "O Ali, do not follow one glance with another, for you are permitted the first, but not the second." However, scholars have made exceptions for cases where looking is permissible, including: for testimony, or for transactions in buying or renting, or a doctor's examination when necessary, or a suitor when intending marriage, or an old woman who is not desired. It is a condition that the looking must not be with lust, and that it must not lead to a forbidden act.