CAST A GLANCE AT THE WOMAN YOU WANT TO MARRY

It is permissible to cast a glance at the woman one wants to marry, from �head to foot.� A believer came to Muhammad, informing him that he had contracted a marriage with an ansAr woman and wanted him to contribute toward the dowry payment.  �Did you cast a glance at her, for there is something in the eyes of the AnsArs,� Muhammad asked.  The man replied: �Yes.� �For what dower did you marry her,� Muhammad inquired.  �For four Uqiyas,� the man replied.  �For four Uqiyas?  It seems as if you dig out silver from the side of the mountain (that is why you are prepared to pay so much dower).  We have nothing which we should give you.  There is a possibility that we may send you to an expedition where you may get booty.� The man was sent on an expedition marching against the BanU �Abs (3315).

But this permission actually originated in a different incident.  An Arab woman named �Umra, the daughter of one Jaun, �was mentioned before Allah�s Messenger.� By now the Prophet was an important man in Arab politics, so he commanded an official of his named AbU Usaid to send a messenger to the woman.  She was brought and she �stayed in the fortresses of BanU SA�idah.� Allah�s Messenger went out until he came to her to give �her a proposal of marriage.� She was �sitting with her head downcast.� They saw each other, and Muhammad talked to her.  She told him: �I seek refuge with Allah from you.� Meanwhile the Prophet had arrived at his own conclusion.  He told her: �I have decided to keep you away from me.� Then Muhammad retired with his host and told him: �Sahl, serve us drink� (4981).  

It is in this hadIs that one finds it permissible to cast a glance at the woman whom one intends to marry (note 2424).

author : ram swarup