Question:
Answer:
- In Surah Baqarah Ayah 235 Allah (S.W.T.) mentions with regards to the divorced women: “And there is no blame on you for the indication you give as an offer for betrothal to those (aforementioned) women (during their mourning periods), or you keep it a secret in your hearts. Allah knew that you will indeed make mention of them. And other than saying a suitable word you should make no secret promise to them. And do not resolve on the tie of marriage until the prescribed period runs its course. And know that Allah is Aware of all that is in your hearts. So fear Him, and know that Allah is Oft-Forgiving, All Forbearing”.
In the commentary of this Ayah Hazrat Ibne Abbas (R.A.) explains that Ta’reedh is an indirect proposal e.g. the man tells the lady he wishes to marry that: “I wish to get married.” Or “I intend marrying a lady with such and such qualities” referring to qualities which she possesses. (Tafseer Ibne Katheer, Vol. 1, Page 215.)
This clearly indicates that speaking to a lady for marriage purposes is permissible.
- The renowned Mufassir Allamah Aaloosi Al-Baghdadi, while commenting on the
aforementioned Ayah describes the proposal rendered by Nabi (S.A.W.) to Umme Salmah (R.A.). He writes: When the husband of Umme Salmah, Abu Salmah (R.A.) passed away, Nabi (S.A.W.) visited her while she was in her Iddah and indirectly proposed to her. This was the same with regards to the proposal of Juwairiyah Bint-ul Harith who came to Nabi (S.A.W.) seeking financial assistance in order to purchase her freedom. Nabi (S.A.W.) assisted her and thereafter directly proposed to her upon which she accepted. (Tafseer Roohul Ma’aani, Vol. 2, Page 150. See rah Ibne Hishaam, Page 368.)
Speaking to the girl for marriage purposes is an established act of Nabi (S.A.W.) as understood from the abovementioned incidents.
- We are all well aware of the fact that presently one is not satisfied by merely
glancing at the lady one wishes to marry. There is a great amount of information which the man needs to acquire from the lady before proposing. Many a times the information is of such a nature which is regarding the outcome of that marriage i.e. if the man finds her to be of his liking then the marriage is usually a success. Mufti Rashid Ahmed (R.A.A.) has stated that speaking to a strange lady at the time of need is permissible. (Ahsanul Fataawaa, Vol. 8, Page 40.)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Ebrahim bin Zainul Abedeen Backus
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
07 September 2004
21 Rajab 1425