Q: Praise be to Allah, I am a committed, practicing Muslim woman. (Part No. 18; Page No. 50) A man, whom I think is pious, has proposed to me, but I am studying in the Faculty of Medicine. My father refuses to let me get married except after I finish my studies, which means that I have to wait for three more years. Should I agree to get engaged to this man until I can finish my studies? Is it permissible for me to uncover my face in front of him during the period of betrothal in the presence of one of my Mahrams (unmarriageable relatives)?

A: This is a personal matter governed by the circumstances of the man who has proposed, the woman to whom he proposed and their families. It is not easy for someone to judge in this matter unless they know the circumstances surrounding these parties. Regarding a woman who has been proposed to uncovering her face in front of her suitor before contracting the marriage, this is permissible for him to see if he is attracted to her; but it is not permissible for this to continue to avoid its grave consequences. We advice you to take the initiative to get married and to use all means to persuade your father to hasten it, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed, saying: “O young men! Those among you who have the ability for marriage, let them marry, as it is more able to lower the gaze (i.e., from looking at forbidden things) and guard the private parts (i.e., chastity, from illegal sexual acts).” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.