السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Is it permissible for potential spouses to speak to each other, or has permission only been given for seeing each other? What is the correct method of this meeting?
جزاك الله خيرا
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salama warahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
It is not permissible for a boy and girl to speak to each other if no elders are involved.
If the elders of a boy officially bring him to meet with a girl, and the guardians of the girl approve of it, then it will be permissible for the boy and girl to meet for a few minutes in a room with an open door (accessible), and they may discuss a few issues about possibly living with each other.
A short meeting is permitted under the guidance of one’s elders. In this meeting, the boy and girl may see each other, introduce themselves, and ask a few applicable questions.
This meeting and the questions are specifically for getting to know each other. There should not be any other chit-chat, and there definitely should be no flirting, unnecessary joking, inapplicable and inappropriate questions and requests etc.
The female is only permitted to reveal her face and palms during this meeting. The rest of the body should be covered.
And Allaah Ta’aala knows best
Wassalaam,
Ismail Moosa (Mufti)