Source: Fatāwā Amunpuri by Shaykh Ghulām Mustafa Zaheer Amunpuri
What is the ruling on proposing during a woman's ʿiddah (waiting period)?
Engagement (formal proposal) during ʿiddah is not permissible. However, an indirect expression of interest in marriage is allowed, without a formal proposal.
وَلَا تَعْزِمُوا عُقْدَةَ النِّكَاحِ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ الْكِتَابُ أَجَلَهُ
(Al-Baqarah: 235)
“And do not determine to conclude the marriage contract until the prescribed term (ʿiddah) has been completed.”
وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُمْ بِهِ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ النِّسَاءِ
(Al-Baqarah: 235)
“And there is no blame upon you for indirectly proposing to women (in ʿiddah).”
✔ Formal engagement is forbidden during ʿiddah.
✔ Indirect hints of marriage interest are permissible.
❖ Question:
What is the ruling on proposing during a woman's ʿiddah (waiting period)?
✿ Answer:
Engagement (formal proposal) during ʿiddah is not permissible. However, an indirect expression of interest in marriage is allowed, without a formal proposal.
❀ Qur’anic Evidence:
وَلَا تَعْزِمُوا عُقْدَةَ النِّكَاحِ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ الْكِتَابُ أَجَلَهُ
(Al-Baqarah: 235)
“And do not determine to conclude the marriage contract until the prescribed term (ʿiddah) has been completed.”
وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُمْ بِهِ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ النِّسَاءِ
(Al-Baqarah: 235)
“And there is no blame upon you for indirectly proposing to women (in ʿiddah).”
Conclusion:
✔ Formal engagement is forbidden during ʿiddah.
✔ Indirect hints of marriage interest are permissible.
