Question:
It is permissible to go and look at a prospective spouce. Is it also permissible to talk to her?
Answer:
When a person goes to look at a prospective spouse with the intention of marrying her, it is permissible to speak to her briefly (in the presence of her mahram). However, there is fitnah in speaking to her romantically and for a long period like how a married couple do. Therefore this in not permissible.
(Hazrat Mufti) Radhaul Haqq (May Allah preserve him)
Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyah Vol.3 Pg.537
Question:
Zaid had proposed to a girl and she has already accepted. Can Zaid speak to her before the nikaah?
Answer:
The pure Shariah has given permission to speak at the time of need. Since the engagement is complete there is no need to talk. In Shariah it is totally reprehensible to speak to ones fiancée before nikah in a romantic manner. More dangerous than this is to drive around in cars with one’s fiancée. There is khalwah (seclusion) in this case, which is totally impermissible.
One must remember that the fiancée is in the ruling of an ajnabiyah (non-mahram/a strange woman). It is mentioned in Durr Mukhtaar (6:369):
ولا يكلم الاجنبية
(It is not permissible to speak to an ajnabiyah (non-mahram).)
It is mentioned in Majmooah Qawaaneen Ismali:
“It is haram for both of them to meet in seclusion.”
وفي الاشباه : الخلوة بالاجنبية حرام <الدر المختار 3:323
(Majmooah Qawaaneen Ismali Pg.37 Code.11 with footnote)
It is mentioned in ‘Aap ke Masaail aur unka Hal’:
Before nikah the fiancé is an ajnabi (strange man). Therefore the rule of a strange man will apply. He will not be allowed to mix with the woman. If something has become a norm in society, that is not an evidence (of permissibly) at all. Any such custom that is against Shariah needs to be rectified.
It is not permissible to meet or go in seclusion before nikah. To meet and mingle before nikah is an indecency in itself. ([Summary of] Aap ke Masaail aur unka Hal Vol.5 Pg.34-45) [See here.]
(Hazrat Mufti) Radhaul Haqq (May Allah preserve him)
Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyah Vol.3 Pg.539-540
