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The question

Is it permissible for a young man and woman to get to know each other before marriage?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

In Islam, there is no concept known as establishing relationships between young men and women for acquaintance before marriage; because such relationships can lead to many corruptions for both parties. The young man might exploit the young woman for amusement or immorality, and this could lead to threatening her. Therefore, no rational person doubts the prohibition of these relationships and their destructive effects on society, and the fact that the majority of young people seek acquaintance before marriage does not make it permissible. A committed young man does not seek to establish a relationship for acquaintance before marriage; rather, he approaches homes through their proper doors and proposes a legitimate engagement. The leniency of young women in establishing relationships with young men emboldens young men to commit evil and diverts them from marriage. A young woman should only accept a righteous man who will protect her, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If there comes to you one whose religion and character you are pleased with, then marry him."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy