Analyzing the Theoretical Foundations of Couples’ Spiritual Health Before Marriage; An Emphasis on the Issue of Viewing the Prospective Bride from the Perspective of Imamiyyah Jurisprudence
Journal of Pizhūhish dar dīn va Salāmat (i.e., Research on Religion & Health),
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026),
24 May 2026
,
Page 157-172
https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v12i1.49732
Abstract
Background and Objective: Spiritual health is considered a fundamental component of comprehensive health. Spiritual health is not merely a subjective phenomenon, and its realization requires the manifestation of correct behaviors. The aim of this research was to explain “looking at a woman at the point of engagement” as a foundational behavior in establishing the spiritual health of the individual and society, and also to examine its theoretical foundations from the Imami viewpoint. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the foundation of spiritual health to Islamic injunctions was also explored.
Methods: This research library-bsed and employs a descriptive-analytical method. In this study, an attempt is made to examine the issue of “looking at a woman during the engagement process” using the laws and teachings of Islamic jurisprudence. This issue is often a unique religious experience and a concern for many religious individuals in the realm of spiritual health. Additionally, Noor software was utilized to search for the opinions of jurisprudential scholars. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
Results: Spiritual health, with a comprehensive definition encompassing the four dimensions of transpersonal, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal connections, and from an Islamic perspective, necessitates adherence to jurisprudential rulings. Engagement is the starting point for establishing a family foundation and a factor in strengthening spiritual health, holding particular sensitivity. All jurists agree that the rulings regarding looking at a woman during the engagement period differ from looking at a non-related woman, and some gazes that are forbidden under ordinary conditions are considered permissible under these circumstances; the existing disagreement is solely within the scope of this ruling. Narrations related to looking at a woman who is being proposed to have been categorized into six thematic groups, with one group containing general permissibility and another group containing specific restrictions. In this research, conflicts between these narrations were examined and resolved, and ultimately, the correct religious behavior regarding looking at a woman who is being proposed to within the framework of spiritual health was elucidated.
Conclusion: Achieving the path of growth and happiness necessitates redefinition and implementation of Islam’s practical programs in the domain of spiritual health. This requires planning for the theoretical foundations of health, which is based on the correct understanding and application of these foundations in daily life to achieve spiritual happiness and well-being. The Islamic perspective on this issue offers a balanced approach, and its solution is to facilitate the path to spiritual happiness.
- Imamiyyah jurisprudence
- Looking at a non-related woman
- Narrations
- Proposal (to marry)
- Religious experience
- Spiritual health
- Woman being proposed to
How to Cite
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