Your opinions

[Sista]

If you please

I have a close friend who is experiencing a dilemma at the momoment and has asked me my opinion, while i have given it i am unsure of whether this practice is permitted in islam and whether in this day and age it is still acceptable, so we would appreciate your views on this and any hadiths that you are aware of (we have searched but have been unsuccesfull!).

The issue is that for three consecuative years a guy asked for this lady's hand in marriage. I believe it was actually his mother doing it on his behalf and each time the answer was no, on the basis that she was busy with work and didnt want to get married at that time. Now, on the third occasion the mother asked the answer was still no, however the very next day the guys mother came back and asked for one of the sisters of my friend for her son. Now these two are exchanging letters (as he is in morocco and the girl is in the uk) and things are moving forward. Both families are muslim but is this practice permissible??

We would be grateful for your understanding on this matter (from an islamic perspective) so your thoughts are welcome.

B'selama