What a man sees from his fiancee

Q 3: Is it permissible for a girl to meet her fiancé without wearing the Hijab (veil)? What is the ruling on applying shampoo and oils to the hair and wearing make-up in front of one's husband?

A: A man is considered a non-Mahram (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) to his fiancée before signing the marriage contract. Accordingly, he should not sit in seclusion with her; and she must not reveal her ornaments in front of him or travel with him. He may only look at her before the betrothal so that he can decide whether he wants to marry her or not, but without Khulwah (being alone with a member of the opposite sex). The original rule on applying shampoo and oils to the hair is permission, unless there is an impediment, such as including a prohibited thing or being harmful in a way that outweighs its benefits. This is because keeping away harms has priority over bringing about benefits. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.