Topics: Nikah

The Legitimate Gaze: 6 Conditions for Looking at a Woman for Marriage

Islamic Guidelines for Looking at a Woman with the Intention of Marriage

Conditions for the legitimate gaze (النظرة الشرعية):

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, states:

شروط جواز النظر إلى المرأة ستة:

“There are six conditions for the permissibility of looking at a woman (for the purpose of marriiage):

الأول: أن يكون بلا خلوة.

Firstly, it should be without seclusion.

الثاني: أن يكون بلا شهوة. 

Secondly, it should not be accompanied with lust/desire, for if one looks with desire, it becomes forbidden, because the purpose of looking is to inquire (الاستعلام), not for gratification (استمتاع).

الثالث: أن يغلب على ظنه الإجابة.

Thirdly, he has high hopes of having his proposal accepted.

الرابع: أن ينظر إلى ما يظهر غالباً.

Fourthly, one should look at what is usually visible.

الخامس: أن يكون عازماً على الخطبة

Fifthly, one should be determined to propose, meaning that the gaze should result from the intention to propose to their daughter. If one intends to roam among women (looking at this one and looking at that one), this is not permissible.

السادس: ألا تظهر (المرأة) متبرجة أو متطيبة، مكتحلة

Sixthly, (addressing the women) she should not appear uncovered, perfumed, wearing eye liner, or any similar form of beautification. This is because the intent is not for a person to desire her sexually such that she appears adorned. This is what a woman does for her husband in order to attract him to intimacy, so this contains fitnah, and the default ruling is that it is prohibited because she is a stranger to him. Additionally, if she appears [adorned] in such a manner, it is harmful; because if he marries her and finds her different from the beauty he was accustomed to, his attraction to her may wane, and his perception of her may change.”

[Ash-Sharḥ Al-Mumti’ (12/22)]

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Qurbani Hides & Meat Rulings: Selling, Charity, Permissible Uses

Can you sell Qurbani hides or meat? Clear Islamic rulings from Hadith and scholars (Ibn Uthaymeen, Standing Committee) on permissible… Read More

3 days ago

Qurbani for Deceased: Islamic Rulings & Permissibility

Scholarly analysis of Qurbani for deceased: Valid forms (implicit inclusion, wills), disputed independent sacrifices, and why charity is preferred. Evidence… Read More

3 days ago

Qurbani Animal Issues: Defects, Death & Injury Rulings

Scholarly rulings on defective sacrificial animals: What if an animal becomes lame after purchase? Dies before Eid? Is injured during… Read More

3 days ago

Qurbani Meat Rules: Charity Portions & Non-Muslim Recipients

Clear Islamic rulings on sacrificial meat (Qurbani): How much must be given as charity, permissible consumption portions, and whether non-Muslims… Read More

3 days ago

Qurbani Rules: One Goat for Household Explained

Learn Qurbani rules in Islam: one goat suffices for a household, and up to ten can share a camel. Dive… Read More

3 days ago

Qurbani Rules: Age, Defects, and Islamic Etiquettes

Learn the Islamic rules for Qurbani, including the required age of sacrificial animals, defects to avoid, and proper etiquettes. Discover… Read More

3 days ago