If Allah casts the desire to engage a woman in the heart of a man, it is Okay for him to look at her
عن محمد بن مسلمة، قال: خطبت امرأة، فجعلتُ أتَخَبّأُ لها، حتى نظرتُ إليها في نَخْلٍ لها، فقيل له: أتفعلُ هذا وأنت صاحب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ؟ فقال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: «إذا ألقى الله في قلب امرئ خِطبة امرأة، فلا بأس أن ينظر إليها».
Explanation
This Hadīth shows that Muhammad ibn Maslamah (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to engage a woman. He would hide for her so as to see her. A Tābi‘i saw him and was amazed at his attitude. So Muhammad told him that he based his behavior on the Prophet's command that if a man wants to engage a woman, such that Allah has cast an inclination to marrying her in his heart, he should look at her. Therefore, it is recommended to look at one's prospective wife even without her knowledge.
In this respect, one might hide for her, which is only permissible for this necessity.
Source
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