Upcoming Courses
Other Questions
Question
I met a sister through an Islamic site and we both expressed interest in marriage. We exchanged some e-mails to introduce ourselves and soon started using instant messaging to communicate. We have never met and live a world apart. Is it permissible (although I think it is looked down upon) that we continue to communicate this way so that we can decide if it is worth it for one of us to later travel a great distance with the hopes of a halal marriage. And also is it allowable for us to want to see each others photos or is that not a good idea? Please provide me with an answer if you can of all the opinions around the matter.
Answer
This method of finding a spouse is impermissible and a sin. The reason for it being outlawed is that it is a means to coming into contact with all kinds of immoral people and can be a means of Zina. The beauty of the Islamic way is that it has many inherent checks and safeguards which this way is entirely void of. The Islamic way for finding your life partner is either by searching from amongst the people you know or through friends and relatives. In this process, the parents of the girl, or some elder, are always made the interface and not the girl herself.