What are the conditions for marriage, and is public announcement (ishhar) an essential condition for it? What is the ruling on marriage without it? Is it permissible for the suitor to sit with his fiancée whose marriage contract has not been concluded, whether in the presence of a mahram or without, provided there is no seclusion (khalwah)? What is the ruling on a married couple going out alone after the legitimate marriage contract (aqd al-qiran) and before the wedding (zafaf), and is sexual intimacy permissible between them during this period?

If a marriage fulfills the conditions of legal validity, it is considered a sound marriage, and its effects, such as the permissibility of intercourse, the attribution of offspring, and inheritance, are established. Announcing it is commendable, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Proclaim this marriage and perform it in the mosques." Thus, once a valid contract is concluded, the woman becomes a wife, and what is permissible for a man with his wife becomes permissible with her. This is not conditional upon holding a wedding ceremony. A woman may prevent her husband from consummating the marriage before the prompt dower is handed over, and customs should be observed. As for engagement without a contract, it does not permit seclusion with the woman or looking at her, except when necessary during the engagement to ascertain her beauty. After that, she remains a stranger to him until the contract is concluded.