Mufti Saheb
As-Salaamu-alaikum
Are engagements classified as a sunnah? Is there precedence from the
Prophet salallahu alahi wasalam, or tradition?
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
If by “engagement” it is meant both parties agreeing and promising 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), obviously
mutual agreement between the relative parties would take place before
the actual Nikah ceremony.
If by “engagement” it is meant to have a formal ceremony and celebration
in which the relative parties celebrate the promise of marriage, then
this, in it self, is also permitted, provided one does not consider it
to be a Sunnah or part of Islam.
Some people argue that having an engagement ceremony was not common in
the time of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace),
thus it is an innovation (bid’ah) and unlawful.
The truth of the matter is that they have not understood the concept
Bid’ah. If an engagement was celebrated thinking and regarding it to be
a specific Sunnah or part of religion (din), then it would fall into the
category of innovation. However, if such a ceremony was organized
without thinking it to be part of religion, then it cannot be considered
unlawful and an innovation. It is similar to any other worldly event
that we organize many times in our lives.
However, one must ensure that engagement ceremonies are free from evil
and unlawful practices, such as open and free intermingling of the
sexes, playing of music, dancing, etc. If it is thought that evil
practices will take place, then it would be best to avoid such
ceremonies.
In conclusion, there are two conditions for the permissibility of
holding engagement functions and ceremonies:
1) They should not be regarded as Sunnah or part of religion,
2) The various evils and unlawful practices must be avoided.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK.
Article taken (with Thanks) from Daruliftaa
|
Browse Central-Mosque.com
|
We
regularly update this site so visit us frequently
|
|
|
|