What constitutes a veiled reference (ta'reed) in proposing marriage?
Chapter on What is Prohibited to Marry and Combining Between Them and Other Matters
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
A veiled reference is language that does not explicitly state the intent to marry but indicates desire. Examples include saying, "I desire someone like you," or "Perhaps someone desires you." Specific examples include statements such as: 'You are noble to me,' 'I desire you,' 'Indeed, Allah will bring you good or provision,' or 'You are beautiful,' and 'You are desired.' Furthermore, saying 'Do not precede us with yourself,' or 'Inform us when you are free (from 'Iddah')' also constitutes permissible veiled reference.
Supporting text
According to Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad, veiled reference includes saying, 'You are noble to me, and I desire you,' or 'Indeed, Allah will bring you good or provision.' Al-Zuhri stated that saying, 'You are beautiful,' or 'You are desired,' is also veiled reference. Statements like 'If something is decreed, it will happen,' or 'We do not desire anyone other than you,' are also included.