Back to search

What is the ruling on marrying Muslim women who uncover their hair and wear clothes that reach mid-thigh, and what is the ruling on the legal viewing (nadhra shar'iyya) of them if marriage to them is permissible?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Marriage to a religious woman is recommended due to the happiness it brings to a man in this world and the hereafter. She is a comfort to him and a repository of his secrets, and from her, children inherit many characteristics. Scholars have agreed upon the recommendation of marrying a religious woman.

As for marriage to a Muslim woman who is immodestly adorned (mutabarrijah), it is permissible, but refraining from it is more preferable and safer. The husband must obligate his wife to wear the hijab, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "All of you are guardians, and all of you are responsible for your subjects: a father is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects, and a man is a guardian over his family and is responsible for his subjects."

The permissible viewing (al-nadhar al-shar'i) for the purpose of engagement is permissible and recommended, and it is limited to the face and hands only, according to the preponderant opinion among scholars. It is a condition that the viewer intends to marry and hopes for a positive response or strongly believes it will be granted.

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

Read the full answer on Ftawy