Is it permissible for a suitor to view the woman he intends to marry?

Primary text

It is permissible for a suitor to view the woman he intends to marry without being in seclusion (*khalwah*). There is no scholarly disagreement on the permissibility of looking at her for the purpose of marriage. Evidence is found in the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to look at the one one intends to marry, as exemplified by Jabir's action of watching the woman he intended to marry until he saw what encouraged him to proceed. Since marriage involves ownership, the contracting party has the right to view the subject of the contract, similar to viewing a female slave being offered for sale. Viewing is permissible whether with or without her permission.