Exchanging photographs via the internet

Reference: Fataawa Mu’aasirah – Page 77
al-Mowsoo’ah – 2027

Question: Is it permissible for a woman to send a photograph of herself via the internet to a man looking to get married, but who lives far away, so he can see her (what she looks like) and decide whether he wishes to marry her or not?

Response: I am not of this opinion.

Firstly: Since it is possible that someone other than the person intended could see the photograph;

Secondly: Because the photograph does not portray the complete truth (reality). So how many photographs has a person seen, and when he sees the one photographed, finds him completely different [in appearance];

Thirdly: It is possible this photograph may remain with this man, even after he excuses himself from proposing to her, however, it remains with him and he may cause mischief with it, and Allaah [alone] has the Complete knowledge [of all affairs].

He is a graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having graduated from the Institute of Arabic Language, and later the Faculty of Sharee'ah in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.

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