A Marriage Proposal Is Not a Nikah

Question

(1) Zayd sent a marriage proposal for his son to ‘Umar’s daughter. After consulting his relatives, ‘Umar accepted it for Zayd’s son. The terms of the mahr were also settled. Zayd informed his son, who is studying in London, of the approval of this match. Zayd accepted. After this, the engagement ceremony was performed in the presence of about fifty (50) people. So, from the point of view of the Shari‘a, what is the ruling regarding this offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul)? (2)

Answer

(1) It appears from the description of the case that the offer and acceptance of nikah have not yet taken place; rather, this is a proposal (khitba), and its status is that of a promise. By it the two parties are not yet husband and wife. Those present at the gathering also understood it to be only a khitba. (2)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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