💍 Khitbah & engagement · #67

I am engaged but have fallen for someone else. What should I do?

End contact with the other person first, then judge honestly whether you want to continue the engagement; if not, end it in a kind and responsible way.
The Prophet ﷺ forbade proposing over a brother's proposal (Sahih al-Bukhari 5142), so the third person should not be approaching you as someone else's fiancé(e) either. A passing feeling is not a sin, but feeding it with meetings and messages leads to betraying a trust (an-Nisa' 4:58). Ask yourself: is this due to a real shortcoming in the engagement, or a passing attraction to something new? If you end the engagement, say so honestly without shaming anyone, return gifts according to custom and law, and be ready to bear the consequences. Being honest now is better than marrying with a divided heart. See the question on breaking off an engagement.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 5142Surah an-Nisa' 4:58Surah al-Isra' 17:34

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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