Is it permissible to view a photograph of a female for the purpose of marriage?

Answer

It is not permissible to view a photo of a girl even for purposes of marriage. Viewing her physically is permissible. Photos are haraam. Furthermore, photos can be extremely deceptive. We are aware of marriages ending in Talaaq because the photo had displayed a vastly different picture of the female. In one case, the newlywed husband explained that in the photo she had appeared like a young girl. But when he saw her after marriage, she was a fat aunt. The chap panicked, abandoned his luggage, and lost about $50,000 in jewellery, mehr, etc.. He fled and took the first flight out of Bangladesh, fleeing back to the U.S.A. He had to flee surreptitiously because he was liable to be arrested and jailed in terms of Bangladesh's jungle laws on issues of this nature. Losing all the money and fleeing was better than the option of being trapped with a 'fat, ugly aunt'. (These are his words, despite having seen the photo – The Majlis) If a modernist can travel around the world for touring and enjoying himself, he may travel from America to S.A. to view the girl. If he can't, then he should forget about her and search for someone in America or wherever he may be, to get married to. The Shariah may not be bent and violated to satisfy every person's whim and fancy.