Allusion to a proposal during the waiting period

In his commentary on al-Baqara 235, Sha'rawi holds that allusion to a proposal to a woman in her waiting period is allowed, that open declaration and a secret promise are forbidden, and that the firm resolve to marry may not be made until the waiting period ends. ^{1 3}

Sha'rawi explains that allusion is a hint rather than a declaration, such as praising the woman in words that stay within good manners. Its use is that the woman in her waiting period learns the suitor's intent, so she does not accept another at once. He sees this as part of God's mercy towards her. ^{1 2}

A secret promise is forbidden, such as taking her word not to marry anyone else, or asking her outright to marry. Sha'rawi holds that a kind word that is commonly accepted, such as saying how fortunate the man who gets a wife like her would be, is allowed. ²

Sha'rawi reads the contract as passing through three stages: allusion, then resolve, which may not be made until the waiting period ends, then the contract. The stages give each side time to reflect and to withdraw if it finds something it does not like. ³

Sha'rawi holds that marriage needs settled resolve after deep reflection, not a passing desire, and he says a marriage without that foundation is bound to fail. ^{3 4}