Al-Baqarah 2:235 ولا جناح عليكم فيما عرضتم به من خطبة النساء او اكننتم في انفسكم علم الله انكم ستذكرونهن ولاكن لا تواعدوهن سرا الا ان تقولوا قولا معروفا ولا تعزموا عقدة النكاح حتى يبلغ الكتاب اجله واعلموا ان الله يعلم ما في انفسكم فاحذروه واعلموا ان الله غفور حليم ٢٣٥

There is no blame on you for subtly showing interest in ˹divorced or widowed˺ women¹ or for hiding ˹the intention˺ in your hearts. Allah knows that you are considering them ˹for marriage˺. But do not make a secret commitment with them—you can only show interest in them appropriately. Do not commit to the bond of marriage until the waiting period expires. Know that Allah is aware of what is in your hearts, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.