Were the stages of marriage during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, similar to the current stages, from engagement to the wedding night? If not, why are these stages applied now? If engagement is not part of marriage, is the fiancée legally considered the fiancé's wife, and does he have the right to demand his marital rights?

There is no harm in the current stages of marriage, from engagement to postponing the marriage contract or consummation. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not specify a particular method for this. There is also no harm in verifying the suitor's condition before the contract, as engagement is merely a promise of marriage that can be broken. Everything that does not contradict the Sharia (definition) concerning postponement is permissible, such as postponing consummation due to customs or other reasons. A woman becomes a wife immediately upon the marriage contract, and it is permissible for the man to enjoy her after paying the prompt dowry. However, it is recommended to observe customs that prevent consummation before the wedding. As for before the Sharia marriage contract, the woman is a stranger to the suitor, and they are not permitted to be in seclusion or to touch each other.