Is it permissible for parents to prevent their daughter from marrying a young man whom she describes as religiously committed, knowing that the parents do not approve of marriage from outside their country? Does this fall under disregarding the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "If someone whose religious commitment you approve comes to you, then marry him"? What is the Sharia ruling on a suitor seeing a picture of his fiancée? And is it permissible for him to see her with or without a hijab?
It is not permissible for a woman's guardian to prevent her from marrying a suitable man due to differences in tribe or country, unless there is a clear benefit for her in doing so. It is not permissible for a Muslim woman to engage in romantic relationships outside of the legitimate framework, and it is not advisable to send pictures over the internet due to the risk of deception. If the suitor is serious, he should approach the guardian and only look at the face and hands.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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