Engagements: What are the limits?
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Question
Can you please tell me the Islamic parameters concerning couples that are engaged especially on what they can and can not talk about.?? Although I found a lot of info on marriage I couldn't find much on engagements except for very nonspecific, general points.Answer
Walaikum assalam,
Islamically, an engagement is just a "promise to marry". It is not a formal contract between the two parties. As such, either party can go back on the engagement.
Given this, the two parties remain "strangers" according to the Shariah, and the proper limits of interaction between strange adult men and women have to be observed.
They can only talk to the extent that is really necessary, in a way that is appropriate, and within the bounds of acceptable. Note, too, that there is likely to be emotional bounds developing between the two parties, which make this interaction more dangerous than other interaction, and more likely to lead to things impermissible.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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