Is it valid to appoint a person to contract a marriage on behalf of a woman?

The questioner : May Allah keep you safe, we have a call with us now. He says: Shaykh, a man is advanced in age and cannot travel, and no one is available to serve him. Is it permissible for him to appoint someone to act on his behalf in choosing a wife and contracting the marriage, given that the one acting on his behalf is in one country and he is in another?

The Shaykh : There is nothing wrong with saying, “I appoint you to contract the marriage for me with so-and-so.”

The questioner : No, without specifying the wife. He appoints him to choose, meaning he chooses a righteous wife for him, without specifying her.

The Shaykh : I hold back on this if she is not specified, because desires differ.

The questioner : No, according to conditions. He says to him, “I have such and such conditions. If a suitable wife meeting the conditions is found, contract the marriage for me with her.”

The Shaykh : This is a point where I hold back, because no matter what the descriptions are, people will differ.

The questioner : Meaning, it is not permissible to appoint him.

The Shaykh : Of course, I hold back on this.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good, Shaykh. Now, goodbye. Peace be upon you. Peace be upon you.