Is It Permissible for a Woman to Look Up a Potential Suitor Online Before Marriage?

The wisdom behind allowing a man to look at the woman he intends to marry also applies to a woman looking at the man. She too will be living with him, and she may either find him acceptable or feel an aversion toward him based on his appearance. Therefore, if he has permissible photographs that are publicly available and she wishes to look at them in order to know what he looks like before proceeding further with the engagement process, there does not appear to be anything preventing this, as long as she is looking for a benefit related to marriage and not for pleasure or unnecessarily going beyond what is needed. Second: Rather, It Is Legislated to Investigate His Religion, Character, and Conduct The basic principle regarding choosing a husband is the statement of the Prophet ﷺ:

If the scholars permit, and indeed emphasize, asking and investigating the suitor, his actions, and those with whom he associates, then looking at what he himself has publicly posted on his accounts falls under the means of learning about his circumstances in our time, provided this remains within the limits of the Shariah. Third: The Ruling on Looking Through His Public Accounts If his page is public and he himself has chosen to make its contents available to people, then it is permissible to look through it for a legitimate purpose, such as learning about: What is apparent regarding his uprightness or shortcomings. His interests and general views. The type of companions he associates with and the gatherings he visibly attends. His manner of dealing with others. Things he posts that may affect the decision regarding marriage. In reality, this may be part of the legislated investigation into a suitor, particularly because marriage is a serious, long-term contract, and it is not wise to enter into it without knowing the circumstances of the other party.

Fourth: However, There Is a Difference Between Investigation and Spying

Fifth: What If He Posts Music or Other Prohibited Things? If she opens his page and sees that he posts musical clips, for example, this may be important information regarding his condition, and she may take it into consideration when deciding whether to accept or reject the proposal. She does not need to listen to the entire song in order to determine his condition. It is sufficient for it to become apparent from the post that he shares or promotes music, after which she should stop listening to the prohibited content. This is similar to what Shaykh Ibn Baz رحمه الله stated regarding the necessity of asking about aspects of the suitor that may not be apparent merely from his observance of the prayer, such as his companions, conduct, and actions. Indeed, a person's public posts may sometimes reveal certain aspects of his character more accurately than what he says about himself during the engagement process. However, one should also not rush to judge him based on a single old post. He may have repented or his circumstances may have changed. If the matter affects the decision regarding marriage, then inquiries should be made and his current condition should be verified. Conclusion: It is permissible for a woman to search for a suitor online and look at his public photographs in order to know what he looks like, just as she may look at him directly when he proposes. Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen both explicitly stated that a woman may look at her suitor. It is also permissible for her to look through his public posts and accounts for the purpose of investigating his religion, character, and personality. Investigating a suitor is legislated and strongly emphasized. Shaykh Ibn Baz رحمه الله explicitly instructed that thorough inquiries be made regarding “his conduct, his actions, and those with whom he associates,” while Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen رحمه الله stated that investigating a suitor is “an emphatic obligation.” However, this should only be done to the extent needed, without spying on his private affairs and without deliberately watching or listening to prohibited things. If it becomes apparent from his account that he posts music, for example, she may take this into consideration as part of the information that helps her decide whether she wishes to proceed with the engagement.