Is it permissible for someone wishing to marry to see more than one girl for the purpose of engagement, in order to compare and choose the most suitable?
It is for a suitor to look at the woman he intends to propose to, provided certain conditions are met: that he is determined to propose, and that he predominantly expects acceptance. Prophetic traditions have indicated this. It is permissible to repeat the gaze to ascertain her appearance, whether with or without her permission. The conditions for the permissibility of looking are six: without seclusion (), without lust, with a predominant expectation of acceptance, looking at what is commonly apparent (such as the face, hands, head, and feet), having the intention to propose, and that she is not adorned (mutabarrija) or perfumed (mutatayyiba). There is no sin upon a suitor to propose to more than one girl if these conditions are met, while narrowing down the choice as much as possible. It is preferable to seek guidance from Allah () before looking.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 5499
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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