Assalamalaikum I have come to know that it is not permissible to even look at ‘ghair-mahram’, i.e., someone who you are eligible to marry with. If this is true, then how can a person – male or female – decide his/her future spouse?
Answer:
(Fatwa: 659/659=L)
It is prohibited to look at ghar-mahram, (strange opposite sex) but if you intend to marry a girl then you can see her once, rather it has been declared allowed in a hadith.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband