Book of Marriage
Introduction
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Book of Marriage
Marriage is sunnah for a person who has sexual desire yet does not fear committing fornication; it becomes obligatory for one who does fear it; it is merely permissible for someone who feels no desire; and it is unlawful in enemy territory unless compelled by necessity.
It is recommended to marry a woman who is religious, fertile, a virgin, of noble lineage, and not a close relative. One must lower the gaze from everything Allah has forbidden and look only at what the Sacred Law has sanctioned.
Looking is divided into eight categories:
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The look of an adult man at an adult, free, non-mahram woman without any need: he may not look at any part of her, even the hair attached to her head.
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His look at a woman who is not normally desired—such as one very old or unattractive—he may look only at her face.1
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His look for the purpose of giving testimony about her or conducting business with her—he may look at her face and, when needed, at her hands as well.2
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His look at an adult free woman whom he intends to propose to—he may look at her face, neck, hands, and feet.3