Engagement before nikah & marriage has become a norm in Pakistan and other Muslim societies but many people are confused on Islamic ruling on getting engaged.
A question was asked from Sheikh Saalih about engagement to which he said it is allowed to send a message for Nikah to someone and to make a commitment that in future on a certain time we will get married, he based his opinion on the following verse of the Quran:
“And there is no sin on you if you make a hint of betrothal…”[al-Baqarah 2:235]
But many people think that after engagement they can talk to their fiancée, it is a misconception because engagement is only a promise for Nikah and nothing more. The man and woman cannot meet or talk until they are married.
Also Read: Is Meeting & Talking With Your Fiancée Allowed In Islam?
As for the celebrations of engagement are concerned they are permissible if bounded by Shariah, as we are allowed to celebrate and be happy on the blessing of Allah and indeed getting married is one of them.