2. A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad and Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn abu Nasr from ‘Abd Allah ibn Sinan who has said the following: “This is concerning my question before abu ‘Abd Allah , about the words of Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, ‘. . . but you must not secretly date such women (during their waiting period) unless you speak to them in a lawful manner and you must not decide to form terms of marriage until the appointed time is complete.’ (2:235). He (the Imam) said, ‘The word “secret” means his saying, “The place of your date is the house of so and so”, then calls her to that place then asks her not to decide to get married with someone else before him when waiting period is complete.’ I then asked about, ‘Except if you speak in a lawful manner.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is seeking lawful matters without determination for marriage until the appointed time of waiting period is complete.’”