It is customary among us for the suitor to see the prospective bride before agreeing to anything, without seclusion; if he is pleased with her, he agrees with her family, and if not, he leaves her.
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The questioner : The questioner says: It is customary among us for the suitor to see the prospective bride before agreeing to anything, without seclusion; if he is pleased with her, he agrees with her family, and if not, he leaves her. The question is: What is permissible for him to see of her in this case, and what is the ruling if he requests to see her several times before the marriage contract? May you be rewarded.
The Shaykh : It is recommended for the suitor to see his prospective bride, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, and because it is more likely to bring happiness to the two spouses in their lives. He may see of her whatever encourages him to proceed with the proposal and continue with it, such as her face, head, hands, feet, and neck, because all of this is what encourages him to continue with the proposal. She also has the right to look at what is visible of him, such as his face, hands, feet, neck, and head, if he is not covered, because both parties need to look at the other. However, this is on the condition that there is no seclusion, that there is no desire, and that he looks at her as a buyer looks at his merchandise which he is pricing. If he requests to look at her again, he has that right, provided he did not scrutinize her in the first look.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : It is recommended for the suitor to see his prospective bride, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, and because it is more likely to bring happiness to the two spouses in their lives. He may see of her whatever encourages him to proceed with the proposal and continue with it, such as her face, head, hands, feet, and neck, because all of this is what encourages him to continue with the proposal. She also has the right to look at what is visible of him, such as his face, hands, feet, neck, and head, if he is not covered, because both parties need to look at the other. However, this is on the condition that there is no seclusion, that there is no desire, and that he looks at her as a buyer looks at his merchandise which he is pricing. If he requests to look at her again, he has that right, provided he did not scrutinize her in the first look.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.