What is the ruling on the exchange of messages between a man and a woman who intend to marry, so that each may get to know the other's personality, especially given their commitment to religious observance?

Islam permits prospective spouses to look at each other to see what encourages marriage. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, encouraged this by saying: "When one of you proposes to a woman, if he is able to look at what would encourage him to marry her, let him do so." And "Look at her, for that is more likely to make your affection last." However, after the engagement and before the marriage, the prospective spouses must refrain from acting as a married couple, for the engaged woman is a stranger to her fiancé until the marriage is concluded.