How can a woman be seen for the legitimate gaze before engagement if the suitor and the prospective fiancée are in different countries and the suitor cannot travel?
It is permissible for a man, if he intends to propose to a woman, to look at her for what makes him desirous of marrying her, as stated in the : "If one of you proposes to a woman, if he is able to look at what calls him to marry her, let him do so." This viewing may be repeated. If he is unable to travel, he may look at her picture, bearing in mind that it might not fully reflect reality. The picture must be disposed of and not kept or shown to anyone. Do not request the picture until after inquiring about her religiosity and circumstances, and having a strong presumption that she will accept you, and when Allah casts the desire to marry her into your heart. Looking at the proposed woman or her picture is restricted by the security from arousal of lust, and it should be without pleasure, and without privacy if the viewing is direct.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 6806
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy