Q: If a person intends to marry a girl; is it permissible for him to ask her if she loves him or not? Is it permissible for him to look at her and go out with her? Is it permissible for him to go with her to the cinema or the like?

First: It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said, A virgin should not be married till she is asked for her consent (which can be tacitly given); and the matron should not be married till she is asked whether she agrees to marry or not. The person who is entitled to ask her (Part No. 18; Page No. 81) is her guardian or whoever may take his place. The person who wants to propose to a woman should not ask her if she loves him or not for this may pave the way for temptation. However, it is permissible for him to look at her without sitting with her in private, if he intends to marry her. Second: It is not permissible for the suitor to sit in private with the lady he intends to marry or see anything of her `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public), nor go out with her as long as he has not concluded the marriage contract yet, for she is not one of his Mahrams (spouse or unmarriageable relatives). In addition, mixing may pave the way for temptations. Also it is not permissible for him to go with her to the cinema or the like. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.