Is it allowed to look to look at the attractive features of a women ?

by Silat_warrior110 Wed Jul 14, 2010 4:54 am

"6. It is permissible for a man to look at the attractive features of the women he intends to marry. Similar it is permissible to talk to her before proposing. So, it is permissible to look at her face, hair, neck, hands, wrists, legs and other parts of her body…”

(A code of Practice for Muslims in the west, Agha Sistani, Rule No 385, pg194)"

This is from a number of hadith:

Imam Ja’far, peace be upon him, said, "If one of you sought a woman for marriage, it is better if you see that woman, if your look is one of a suitor."

When a tradition says that it is permissible as a suitor, then does this mean it is not permitted when one is not a suitor? If looking' as a suitor means that only the face and hands can be seen and nothing more, then it is limited to its not being lustful in anyway. This would mean that looking at other times is not permitted but this is not the way it is. It is permitted for a suitor to look at the face and hair of a woman and even the outline of her form, things that effect the form of a woman's body. It is more extensive and it is clear that which is permitted for a man who is a suitor is not permitted at other times. They have also said that if a suitor be a serious one, even if he looks with lust, there is no problem.

Prophet Muhammad [s]: "When one of you intends to marry a woman, he should ask about her hair, just as he asks about her face (beauty), since the hair is one of the two beauties (of women)."