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Engagement in Islam

Last updated: 1st May 2006
Question ID: #1782
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Assalamu-alaykum mufti sahib. I will be getting married in 3 months time inshallah and wanted to know if engagements are allowed in Islam. In an engagement, you hold the lady's hand and put the ring in the finger and as far as I know, you aren't supposed to touch a lady without doing nikah. Another point I'd like to mention is that how long of a gap should there be from engagement to nikah. For example, would it be possible to have the nikah 3 months after the engagement? In this gap, would I be able to meet my fianc? alone to get to 'know' her and understand her? I know for a fact i WILL get married to her as my family is happy with this relation and I KNOW the engagement will not break. If I'm not allowed to meet her, then what is the purpose of the engagement? What rights do I have over my fianc?? I hope you could answer my question as I will need to know if i could go ahead with the arrangements. Jazakumullah-khayrun.

Regards,
Brother Salman


Bismillah

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah's guidance)



It will not be permissible to meet after the engagement. The purpose of engagements is a promise and confirmation to marry. At that stage, the boy and girl are still strangers to one another in that they cannot communicate with one another. Hence, Interaction between a non-Mahram man/woman are not acceptable in Islam. There is no point in having a prolonged engagement, it is better to perform the nikah and then one can therefore interact in a 'halal' atmosphere.

Please refer to this answer also: http://www.muftisays.com/qa.php?viewpage=viewQA&question=1723

Additionally, Islam does not recognise a wedding ring or an engagement ring. These are customs of the non-Muslims.

Rasullulah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa salam) has said, "Whosoever impersonates a nation (other than Islam) will be (resurrected) from them on the day of judgment". (Sunan Abu Dawud)



And Only Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.

Mufti
Answer last updated on:
6th October 2007
Answered by:
Ulamaa ID 04
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Location: London
Mufti Qamruzzaman

London, UK