There is Neither Courtship, Dating Nor Forced Marriage in ISLAM

"Men and women of understanding or not, young Muslims who are morally responsible are susceptible to the evil snares attached to high technology such as cellphones and internet. One learned man even suggested that "manjari da isab magpa-andig-andig." (Translated: "Subtle overtures are also allowed.") Overtures may perhaps be resorted out of bashfulness by the swain ,but which can be dangerously interpreted by the lass spoken of as an insult or effrontery.  Decency or proper decorum according to akhlaq and adaab set by Islam in the purview of  opposite gender interaction must be strictly observed at all times. And when the other forgets or seems oblivious to its (hi-tech and otherwise circumstantial) evil promptings then the other is obliged to remind (nasiha) fillaah the other- and vice-versa. Muslims must be in Allah-consciousness mode 60 secs per min jihadunafs :) It is the moral obligation of pious Muslim females (as much as it is of pious Muslim males) to AVOID or DEFLECT (as the case maybe) any situation that will make them susceptible to expressed or implied sexual/romantic overtures."

In the context of ijab and qabul, there is neither courtship between prospective couples nor forced marriage in ISLAM.  Genuine commitment is required in order to ensure muwaddah, rahmah and ultimately sakinah. Righteous couples bi idhnillaah breed righteous children. Thus, supplication for guidance is a must.

Nonetheless, in most cultures and mores of Muslims, there is a UNIQUELY FOCUSED TYPE OF COURTSHIP endemic to parents of prospective couple. There also is the so-called tahakkim, a privilege- to subtly and by nuance - choose one's husband.

 I was asked once of a family background of a prospective groom. Employing the principles of Islam when it comes to confirming, denying or disclosing an absent person's reputation that is being the subject of inquiry, I replied: " Yes, it is public knowledge that xxx is xxx BUT there is no veracity of the report for as long as it is not firsthand knowledge, If it be so that his parent is xxx, we cannot and must not judge him for what his parent is. To each his own, and Allah shall judge each person according to his personal accountability and not on account of another. Who knows that the very marriage will bring him closer to Allah as the prospective bride's family is deemed pious? wallaahu ah'lam"

UNDENIABLY, it is indeed but relevant for every Muslim to sincerely strive in order to explore and understand ISLAM as a comprehensive way of life based from the Qur'an, and Sunnah of Nabi Muhammad SAW. Truly, true guidance and wisdom can only come from the Qur'an and the Rasulullaah's Sunnah.