How many times can a husband-to-be see the future wife without hijab. Is it just once? Are there any rules to it? Do other people like both their mothers need to be present? Why is this permissible?
It is permissible for a man to see his prospective wife before marriage provided that four conditions are met:
1) Both parties are immune from falling into sin, such as gazing with lust.
2) The proposing man has not previously seen the girl without her Hijab.
3) The proposing man is more than likely to proceed with the marriage (i.e., there is an earnest intent to marry).
4) Based on obligatory precaution, the purpose behind the proposing man looking at the woman’s hair and other physical features is not to compare her with other women in order to make a decision, rather, his mind is already set to marry her.
The reasoning behind many of the Islamic rulings is not known, yet we accept it because of our absolute faith in the wisdom of God and what He enacts is for the good of humankind. In any case, permissibility for a prospective future husband to see the wife-to-be without her hijab does not obligate her to comply.