What are the limits of the relationship between a young man and a young woman, and is it permissible for them to go out together in a group for a picnic or to eat, taking into consideration His (the Almighty's) saying: "nor those who take secret lovers" and "nor those who take secret lovers"?

It is not permissible for young men and women to go out together on recreational trips if it leads to fitna (temptation/discord), such as immodest display (tabarruj) and unlawful intermingling (ikhtilat). The two verses mentioned mean the obligation to avoid taking secret lovers, as was the practice in the pre-Islamic era of Jahiliyyah.

As for a young man marrying a girl with whom he had an emotional relationship, it is not forbidden, but one should not marry someone in such a state. Rather, one should choose a woman of religious commitment. Similarly, a girl should not accept a suitor who takes secret lovers among girls; instead, she should choose someone whose character and religious commitment she approves of. All of this applies if the man or woman is not known to have committed zina (fornication/adultery). Otherwise, some scholars stipulate chastity for the validity of marriage.