Yes, generally, hugging before marriage is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
This prohibition stems from the Islamic emphasis on modesty, avoiding temptation (fitna), and preserving the sanctity of marriage. Premarital relationships are discouraged, and any physical contact, including hugging, falls under this category as it can lead to further intimacy outside the bounds of marriage. Islam encourages maintaining a respectful distance between unmarried men and women who are not close relatives (mahram). The overarching principle is to avoid situations that could lead to unlawful behavior (zina).
While interpretations and levels of strictness can vary among individuals and different Islamic schools of thought, the predominant view considers any affectionate physical contact, including hugging, as impermissible before marriage.
