Having sexual intercourse during the engagement


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Q 3: A man married a woman after she became pregnant during their engagement period. What is the ruling of Islam on this?


A: If sexual intercourse has taken place before the conclusion of the marriage contract, this is Haram (prohibited) according to the Qur'an, Sunnah (whatever is prohibited from the Prophet), and Ijma` (consensus of scholars). The doers have, thus, committed a major sin from which they must make sincere Tawbah (repentance to Allah). Moreover, the child born as a result of this relationship is an illegitimate child who is to be attributed to the mother not the father. However, if sexual intercourse has taken place after the conclusion of the contract but before announcing the consummation of the marriage, the child resulting from this relationship is a legal child and is to be attributed to the father and mother. This is according to Ijma`. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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