Question:

Peace be upon you,

Is it allowed to ask about the defects of a woman before asking for her hand in marriage?

Answer:

In the name of Allah the most compassionate the most merciful

There is no doubt that backbiting is forbidden as it has its proofs and holy texts from the holy Quran and holy traditions. Also, based on the collective opinion of all the scholars and the decree of the intellect and the opinion of the rational scholars, it is confirmed that backbiting is a form of oppression and violates all boundaries. There are some Islamic texts that support the idea that this may be a form of backbiting. Even if for example we say that it may be apart or a form of backbiting in language terms and meaning that if the person who the backbiting was done unto would hear it would not accept it however what is more important is what is available in Islamic text regarding the original question . In regards to the one who is passing the information with secrecy without exposing the questioner on the subject of marriage, it is allowed for him the person asking about that woman from defects that he is sure about and not the defects that he is unsure about, and Allah (SWT) is the most helpful and the knowing in all matters. 

Translated by : Mohamed alnajjar