Question: If there is someone who I seriously consider as a prospective bride, can I meet her in a cafe or something like that?
Answer:
Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
When one finds someone who generally seems like a suitable match, one should reach out to the family first. If they are willing, one could meet the prospective bride in a cafe or walk with her in a park providing there is a religious chaperone who would notice if there was hand-holding or anything like that.
As for meeting her alone, or among the bad company, that would not be permissible because for most people it leads to sin.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘It really is the case that no man and woman alone save that the third person with them is the Devil’ (Ahmad and Tirmidhi).
Please see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/a-reader-on-gender-interaction/
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/can-remove-face-veil-front-prospective-spouse/
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/is-one-allowed-to-chat-with-a-potential-spouse-for-the-purpose-of-getting-to-know-each-other/
I pray this helps.
[Ustadh] Farid
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language