Question
What is the permissible form of communication between an adult male and adult female looking toward marriage? No proposal has been made. A meeting had been set up but both were shy to ask questions. Can they ask their questions via WhatsApp with no unnecessary chatting. Being overseen by their parents.
Answer
It is impermissible to interact with a potential spouse through any means, whether it be by talking or other communication means such as WhatsApp, regardless of the conversation being overseen by the parents. Shariah has closed all doors that may lead one to committing unlawful sins.
Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا
If they desire to ask each other questions, they can do so through the means of other family members. For example, one can indirectly ask the girl questions by asking her male relatives, like her father and brothers. Likewise, one’s own female relatives can speak to the girl directly. The girl should also adopt a similar procedure.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
فدل على انه لا يجوز له ان يطلب من اوليائها ان يحضروها بين يديه لما في ذلك من الاسخفاف بهم ، ولا يجوز ارتكاب ذلك لامر مباح ، وقد يفضي ذلك الى مفاسد عظيمة كما لا يخفى ، وانما يجوز له ان يتخبا لها وينظر اليها خفية
(اعلاء السنن ص 384 ج17)
الخلوة بالاجنبية حرام
(رد المحتار ص368 ج6)
(فتاوی رحیمیه ص 151 ج 8)