Does an engagement (mangni) make a couple mahram?
The question as asked, details removedAfter our engagement, can my fiancée and I meet alone or talk freely?More
This is a sample answer written to show how the site works. It follows the standard Hanafi books, but no mufti has reviewed or signed it yet, so it is not a fatwa. For a real answer, ask a question. Ask a mufti
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ اَلْجَوَابُ بِعَوْنِ الْمَلِكِ الْوَهَّابِ اَللّٰهُمَّ هِدَايَةَ الْحَقِّ وَالصَّوَابِ
1Short answer
No. An engagement is only a promise to marry; it is not a nikah. The couple remain non-mahram to each other until the nikah, so meeting alone, touching and casual private talk are not allowed.
2Detailed answer
An engagement is a promise between two families that a nikah will take place. It has no effect in the Shariah beyond that. So:
- The engaged couple are still non-mahram; purdah applies between them as with any non-mahram.
- Being alone together (khalwah), touching, and private chatting by phone or message are not allowed.
- Before or at the engagement, the man may look at the woman's face and hands, with the families' knowledge, to decide about the marriage.
- Breaking an engagement is not a divorce and needs no talaq. Breaking a promise without good reason is wrong, but it is not a sin if there is a valid reason.
If the families want the couple to be able to meet, the way is to do the nikah, even if the rukhsati comes later.
3Evidence and sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Nikah
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Hajj
- Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Book of Nikah
- Bahar-e-Shariat, chapter on looking and touching
Arabic texts, translations and how the ruling was derived
لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا ومعها ذو محرم
Meaning: No man should be alone with a woman unless a mahram of hers is with her.
انظر إليها فإنه أحرى أن يؤدم بينكما
Meaning: Look at her, for that is more likely to create love between you.
The first hadith forbids being alone with a non-mahram, and an engaged couple are non-mahram until the nikah. The second allows a man to see the woman he intends to marry.
وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ وَرَسُوْلُهُ أَعْلَمُ صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ