Pre-Marriage Interaction in Islam

This content is extracted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," which is based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.

Question:​

What does Islam say about meeting and interacting with a prospective spouse before marriage?

Answer:​

If the question refers to interaction after the Nikah (marriage contract) but before consummation (Rukhsati), then such meetings are permissible. This is because, after the Nikah, the woman legally becomes the wife of the man, even if the wedding ceremony or consummation has not yet taken place.

However, if the question pertains to interaction before the Nikah, whether during the engagement period or before it, such meetings are haram (forbidden) and not allowed. It is impermissible for a man to interact with a non-mahram woman in a way that involves direct communication, gazing, or being alone with her for enjoyment or any other purpose. This ruling is based on the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ saying:

"A man must not be alone with a woman unless there is a mahram with her, and a woman must not travel without a mahram."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4935; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1341)

Summary:​

1. Permissible Interaction:
   
   • Interaction after the Nikah is permissible, as the woman is now the man's wife, even if the Rukhsati has not occurred.
2. Forbidden Interaction:
   
   • Interaction before the Nikah is haram, even if the couple is engaged or has agreed to marry. Until the marriage contract is executed, the woman remains a non-mahram to the man, and such interactions are prohibited in Islam.

Reference:

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen (رحمه الله)