Customary practices

Sending one's photo to propose for a girl living in another country

Q: I have a dilemma, there's a girl in Pakistan looking for a husband and I am living abroad (UK), I have seen this girl's photograph, but she will probably (Allah knows best) want to see how I look like when I show interest. Is it allowed for me to send her a picture, which can be deleted thereafter. If not, what should I do. Thanks. I need a solution if it's not allowed.

Husband and wife living separate

Q: I have observed in many countries that people marry and stay with their wives for a month or two and then they go to other countries for work and they come back to their wives after two or three years for a month or two and then again go back. My question is that is this the correct way of spending life with family especially wives? Is this the correct way of spending a married life according to Islam? Please answer my question to clear my concept about this issue.

Communicating before marriage

Q: I was introduced to a boy with the intention of marriage. He is from a different city. We are compatible in all aspects as we've discussed what it is we are looking for in a spouse. I went for umrah and made a lot of Dua for guidance. I met this boy with my brother who is my mahram. My parents knew about this and agreed it was ok. However we decided to make istikhaara. He hasn't spoken to my parents or his. My istikhaara came out positive and he says he didn't have a good feeling. I am certain we went about it the incorrect way. Should he have come to my parents with his parents and then him and I perform istikhaara? Or was this method valid. He is a good boy with all the things a Muslimah should look for. I've kept my chastity etc for marriage. He feels also that I would be a perfect companion as we both only want to work towards attaining Jannah. But after his istikhaara how can we go against Allah (Ta'ala). It is confusing for me as I've abundantly made Dua not to meet him even once if he is not for me. I know my Allah would never have sent him to my hometown if we are not meant for each other. All that is in our way now is his istikhaara answer. Should he first approach my parents along with his?