Question: At the MSA we had some questions. We thought we could not ask it in class. Although the question is sent by guys, girls also wanted to ask em

1. Can a man see a woman’s hair before marriage?
2. Can a man see woman’s hands before marriage if she is wearing gloves
3. Can a man ask if she is wearing contact lens?
4. Can a man ask to see her without her heels?
5. Can a man see her feet?
6. Can a man ask her to remove her jilbab?
7. Feel her hands?
8. Ask her is she has any health issues?
9. Can a man talk to his prospective wife?

Answers are as follows: (it is sad that MSA students are thinking of such matters rather then their studies.  Since the matter is important to you, here are the answers)

1. yes, (a male should not ask to see her whole head, or all her hair, just the end of hair, or a little of it can be shown from the end portion of her scarf. It would be best for the male to ask for his mother or sister to see it instead of him taking away her privacy)
2. yes, (to see one hand would suffice then asking to see both hands. The visibility or hand exposure should be a maximum of up to her wrist)
3. yes, (or he could have his sister mother ask on his behalf!)
4. yes, (or in advance have your family ask her to wear flats or saddles, so as to avoid embarrassment!)
5. yes, (although it may be rude to do so. If feet are important to you, ask the party to have her wear open toed sandals prior to the ‘interview’ process.)
6. No, unless she has appropriate clothing underneath her jilbab.  (Preferred not to ask her to remove her cloak. This request should be made in advance. Under her cloak a woman should maintain proper Islamic clothing. Not jeans and a t-shirt type of dressing! Or other firm fitted or showy/flimsy clothing! Dignity always helps.)
7. no (but you can ask to see her hands as mentioned above)
8. yes (we prefer your mother, sister, or a reputable third party requests such personal information. Limit yourself to that which is most relevant.)
9. Yes, in the presence of a reputable third party. The conversation should be relevant to the future of the couple and their families. The questions should be in light of seeking social compatibility and testing for levels of religious compatibility. Not mere chit chat!

(The above would also apply to woman where appropriate. In the case of woman, we recommend that her brother, etc. request the sort information on her behalf in a subtle and polite manner. In all honesty, very few men and woman leave much for the imagination, so we think that most of the above questions are futile!)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.