Is it part of the guidance of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, to separate the writing of the contract and the wedding night on which the man enters upon his wife, in order to prepare the wife's trousseau, knowing that this period may extend to two months or more? Is it better to delay both the contract and the wedding, or to accept delaying the wedding only? Is it permissible to give the Mahr (dowry) before the contract to purchase the trousseau?

Delaying consummation after the marriage contract is not from the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or his Companions, unless necessity dictates it, such as preparing the dowry and purchasing furnishings. The woman's family should not burden the husband with what he cannot afford. The Sunnah has indeed emphasized facilitating marriage and reducing its expenses. Therefore, there is no harm in delaying consummation until the dowry is readily available and the furnishings are prepared. By virtue of the contract, the woman is a wife, and you are permitted from her what a man is permitted from his wife, while observing the custom of not consummating before the wedding ceremony. Writing the contract is preferable, as it permits the man to look at the woman, be in seclusion with her, and speak with her.