What is the legal ruling (hukm shar’i) for engagement (khitbah) in Islam, what are the rights and obligations of the betrothed couple, and what situations did the Messenger (peace be upon him) encounter in his life related to engagement?

The wisdom behind the legal validity of betrothal (khitbah) lies in its being a prelude and a key to marriage (nikah), whereby the suitor seeks the consent of the proposed woman or her family. It also allows both parties a period for deliberation and reflection before the marriage contract. An example of this is Fatimah bint Qais consulting the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when Mu'awiyah and Abu Jahm proposed to her.