What is the ruling regarding a man looking at a young girl who is not yet fit for marriage?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
It is permissible for a man to look at a young girl who is not fit for marriage. Imam Ahmad, according to the narration of Al-Athram, stated that if a man takes a young girl, places her on his lap, and kisses her, it is permissible if he does not feel sexual desire (*shahwah*), but it is impermissible if he does. Evidence for the permissibility of proximity without desire is supported by the action attributed to Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam, whose daughter was sent to Umar ibn Al-Khattab, whom Umar held by the hand, and when bells moved on her leg, Umar removed them, citing the Prophet's saying: "With every bell, there is a devil."