💍 Khitbah & engagement · #2

May a man see the face of the woman he intends to propose to?

Yes, it is in fact recommended to look at the woman one intends to propose to, with the intention of marriage.
Al-Mughirah bin Syu'bah once proposed to a woman and the Prophet ﷺ said: "Look at her, for that is more likely to make (the affection) between you last." In the narration of Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ asked a Companion who wanted to marry a woman of the Ansar whether he had seen her, and told him to look at her. In the Shafi'i school, it is best to look before the formal proposal so that if he is not drawn to her, the man can withdraw without hurting the woman's family. Looking must be without seclusion (khalwat) and without touching, and only as far as needed. It is not a licence to gaze with desire or repeatedly without purpose. See khitbah.

Sources

Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1087 (hasan)Sahih Muslim, Kitab an-Nikah

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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