Ruling on the suitor corresponding with his fiancée before the marriage contract

Question:
Is it permissible for the suitor to correspond with his fiancée before he contracts the marriage with her? And is the proposal prescribed?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with it, such as corresponding with her with something that benefits her, a gift, or otherwise. There is nothing wrong with it if the proposal has taken place between them, or if he wishes to encourage them to do so; he sends to her family and to her gifts, hoping they will agree to the marriage. There is nothing wrong with that, provided that it is done through a lawful means, not through seclusion, and not through a suspicious meeting, but through showing kindness to her family and to her with gifts until they respond to his desire. There is nothing wrong with that.