💍 Khitbah & engagement · #17
May a woman also look at the man proposing to her?
Yes, it is also recommended (sunnah) for a woman to see the man who proposes to her, for the same reason.
The wisdom of seeing is so that the marriage is built on willing consent and lasting affection, and a woman has the same right to be satisfied with her prospective husband. Scholars of the Shafi'i school state that a woman may look at the man who proposes to her. Moreover, a woman's consent is required in marriage; the Prophet ﷺ rejected the marriage of Khansa' binti Khidham, who was married off without her consent. Meetings should be chaperoned, without khalwat or touching. A woman also has the right to ask about the man's religion, character, work, health and marital status. See khitbah.
The wisdom of seeing is so that the marriage is built on willing consent and lasting affection, and a woman has the same right to be satisfied with her prospective husband. Scholars of the Shafi'i school state that a woman may look at the man who proposes to her. Moreover, a woman's consent is required in marriage; the Prophet ﷺ rejected the marriage of Khansa' binti Khidham, who was married off without her consent. Meetings should be chaperoned, without khalwat or touching. A woman also has the right to ask about the man's religion, character, work, health and marital status. See khitbah.
Sources
Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1087 (hasan)Sahih al-Bukhari 5138