What are the wife's rights, including maintenance and other provisions, from her husband who married her but has not yet paid her Mahr and resides abroad? Is he permitted private seclusion with her before paying the Mahr and after the marriage contract? Is he permitted to be in private seclusion with her upon his return from his journey?

A man and a woman become spouses as soon as the marriage contract is concluded with its conditions. The woman is entitled to half of the mahr (dowry) if separation occurs before consummation, and she is not entitled to maintenance إلا by consummation or enabling it. After the contract, it is permissible for the man to be alone with his wife and enjoy her, but this is not obligatory for him, and maintenance is not obligatory إلا by consummation or enabling it. As for being alone with the fiancée before the contract, it is not permissible, as she is a stranger to him.