I think it depends on your definition of courtship,

The two prevalent ways of courtship in our society are islamic and western. If it were islamic way, no problem but western, there is a problem. One aware of the rules and regulations of Allah and one abides by them if it were islamic. One goes against these rules does whatever he likes without givin a damn about what Allah and the messenger say. May Allah save us from the path of shaytan. Amin

So what's the Islamic way of courtship?

Courtship in this case is any premarital process that a partner practices in order of getting future partner. The process could either be islamic or non-islamic (what i referred to as western).

"Dating" as it is currently practiced in much of the world does not exist among Muslims. Young Muslim men and women (or boys and girls) do not enter into one-on-one intimate relationships, spending time alone together, "getting to know each other" in a very deep way before deciding whether that's the person they will marry. Rather, in Islam pre-marital relationships of any kind between members of the opposite sex is forbidden.

How do potential spouses meet?
First of all, Muslim youth develop very close friendships with their same-sex peers. This "sisterhood" or "brotherhood" that develops when they are young continues throughout their lives, and serves as a network to become familiar with other families. When a young person decides to get married, the following steps often take place:

* The young person makes du'a for Allah to help him or her find the right person.

* The family enquires, discusses, and suggests candidates from among the network of people that they know. They consult with each other to narrow down potential prospects. Usually the father or mother approaches the other family to suggest a meeting.

* If the young couple and their families agree, the couple meets in a chaperoned, group environment. Umar related that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Not one of you should meet a woman alone unless she is accompanied by a relative (mahram)." The Prophet also reportedly said, "Whenever a man is alone with a woman, Satan is the third among them." When young people are getting to know each other, being alone together is a temptation toward wrongdoing. At all times, Muslims should follow the commands of the Qur'an (24:30-31) to "lower their gaze and guard their modesty, " Islam recognizes that we are human and are given to human weakness, so this rule provides safeguards for our own sake.

* If the couple seems compatible, the families may investigate further - talking with friends, family, Islamic leaders, co-workers, etc. to learn about the character of the potential spouse.

In another situation, a friend who is of the same sex (with the person involved) and a muslim may communicate the message to the intending partner. Sometime the man may meet the father of the lady and ask her hand in marriage directly as seen in the case of the Prophet (SAW), Aisha and Abubakr.(Sahih Buhari Vol 7 hadith 18)

A lady on the other said may be the one that initiates the proposal (Sahih Buhari Vol 7 hadith 25)

* Before making a final decision, the couple prays salat-l-istikhara (prayer for guidance) to seek Allah's help and guidance.

* The couple agrees to pursue marriage or part ways. Islam has given this freedom of choice to both young men and women - they cannot be forced into a marriage that they don't want.

This type of focused courtship helps ensure the strength of the marriage, by drawing upon family elders' wisdom and guidance in this important life decision. Family involvement in the choice of a marriage partner helps assure that the choice is based not on romantic notions, but rather on a careful, objective evaluation of the compatibility of the couple. That is why these marriages often prove successful in the long-term.

The above procedure/process may not be the established fact or the exact recommendation from the Prophet (SAW) but could serve as the best alternative to the perversive evil in the society. culled from islam.com with additional references and explanation.

walahu a'alam

Ha!

AbuHanifa:

Courtship in this case is any premarital process that a partner practices in order of getting future partner. The process could either be islamic or non-islamic (what i referred to as western).

"Dating" as it is currently practiced in much of the world does not exist among Muslims. Young Muslim men and women (or boys and girls) do not enter into one-on-one intimate relationships, spending time alone together, "getting to know each other" in a very deep way before deciding whether that's the person they will marry. Rather, in Islam pre-marital relationships of any kind between members of the opposite gender is forbidden.

How do potential spouses meet?
First of all, Muslim youth develop very close friendships with their same-sex peers. This "sisterhood" or "brotherhood" that develops when they are young continues throughout their lives, and serves as a network to become familiar with other families. When a young person decides to get married, the following steps often take place:

* The young person makes du'a for Allah to help him or her find the right person.

* The family enquires, discusses, and suggests candidates from among the network of people that they know. They consult with each other to narrow down potential prospects. Usually the father or mother approaches the other family to suggest a meeting.

* If the young couple and their families agree, the couple meets in a chaperoned, group environment. Umar related that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Not one of you should meet a woman alone unless she is accompanied by a relative (mahram)." The Prophet also reportedly said, "Whenever a man is alone with a woman, Satan is the third among them." When young people are getting to know each other, being alone together is a temptation toward wrongdoing. At all times, Muslims should follow the commands of the Qur'an (24:30-31) to "lower their gaze and guard their modesty, " Islam recognizes that we are human and are given to human weakness, so this rule provides safeguards for our own sake.

* If the couple seems compatible, the families may investigate further - talking with friends, family, Islamic leaders, co-workers, etc. to learn about the character of the potential spouse.

In another situation, a friend who is of the same sex (with the person involved) and a muslim may communicate the message to the intending partner. Sometime the man may meet the father of the lady and ask her hand in marriage directly as seen in the case of the Prophet (SAW), Aisha and Abubakr.(Sahih Buhari Vol 7 hadith 18)

A lady on the other said may be the one that initiates the proposal (Sahih Buhari Vol 7 hadith 25)

* Before making a final decision, the couple prays salat-l-istikhara (prayer for guidance) to seek Allah's help and guidance.

* The couple agrees to pursue marriage or part ways. Islam has given this freedom of choice to both young men and women - they cannot be forced into a marriage that they don't want.

This type of focused courtship helps ensure the strength of the marriage, by drawing upon family elders' wisdom and guidance in this important life decision. Family involvement in the choice of a marriage partner helps assure that the choice is based not on romantic notions, but rather on a careful, objective evaluation of the compatibility of the couple. That is why these marriages often prove successful in the long-term.

The above procedure/process may not be the established fact or the exact recommendation from the Prophet (SAW) but could serve as the best alternative to the perversive evil in the society. culled from islam.com with additional references and explanation.

walahu a'alam

[color=#006600][/color] Jazakumllah broda AbuHanifa, may the Almighty Allah grant u more knowledge amin.

Amin my dear brother. May Allah give u honourable rewards in this world and hereafter

Jazakumlaha,

Wahiyakum