What is the ruling on a girl separating from her first fiancé to become engaged to another who is better in character than him?
The engagement is merely a promise of marriage, and it is permissible for either party to dissolve it for a valid reason. If a girl discovers a flaw or deficiency in the suitor, she has the right to dissolve the engagement. However, it is not permissible for a Muslim to propose to a woman who is already engaged to another Muslim, or to corrupt a woman against her suitor if the suitor has been given a clear answer. If the girl learns that a more righteous suitor will propose to her without instigation from the second suitor, or if the second suitor is unaware of the first engagement, then there is no harm in her dissolving the engagement. She should perform (prayer for guidance) regarding the entire matter and not rush into accepting any suitor until she has inquired about his religiosity and character.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 6427
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy