Is a marriage that took place without witnesses permissible, where the suitor asked, "Will you marry yourself to me according to the Sunnah of Allah and His Messenger?" and the fiancée replied, "Yes," in order to avoid what is happening between them from being unlawful, bearing in mind that they are still in the engagement period and the marriage has not been officially solemnized?

The suitor is a stranger to his fiancée, so it is not permissible for him to touch her, shake her hand, or be alone with her. What happened between you is forbidden, and sincere repentance is incumbent upon both of you, along with avoiding the causes of what is forbidden until the marriage contract is concluded.

The suitor's saying to his fiancée: "Will you marry yourself to me according to the Sunnah (definition) of Allah and His Messenger?" and her answer "Yes" is not considered a valid marriage, nor does it permit anything. A correct marriage can only take place with the presence and approval of the woman's guardian, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "There is no marriage without a guardian," and "Any woman who marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is void."

The questioner must fear Allah and cease this forbidden act, protect the honor of the one he wishes to marry, and expedite the completion of the lawful marriage to avoid falling into what is forbidden.