What does Islam say about engagement?

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

Engagement is when both parties agree and promise one another to enter into the contract of marriage (nikah), then this, obviously, is permissible and not something that is an innovation, for marriage must of course be preceded by mutual agreement.

Even in the days of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and his Companions (Allah be pleased with them all), mutual agreement between the relative parties would take place before the actual Nikah ceremony.

Nevertheless, no previous celebration or function is necessary for entering into a marriage nor was it a practice in the days of the Holy Prophet to celebrate this occasion. Therefore, if someone celebrates the occasion in the belief that it is a Sunnah or a part of religion then it would become a bid’ah or innovation.

Even if it is celebrated without holding it as a part of religion it embodies many evil practices, therefore, celebration of engagement should be avoided.

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK