What is the ruling on looking at an illustrative or real picture of the area surrounding a woman's genitalia, or pictures of a woman's genitalia, in order to learn the names of the surrounding areas, or for the purpose of learning, knowing that the questioner is not married but is about to get married?

It is impermissible to look at the severe nakedness of women unless there is a necessity or a need that takes its place, such as a recognized academic need where there is no fear of temptation (fitnah), or for medical treatment, or for giving testimony, or for judicial ruling. If it is permissible to look at it directly, then it is even more permissible to look at its image. Scholars have permitted a woman to go to a male doctor when a female doctor is unavailable, and it is permissible for her to uncover what needs to be seen, provided there is a mahram (definition) present and no seclusion. However, looking at nakedness for the purpose of marriage is not permissible.