💍 Khitbah & engagement · #42

May we have a 'pre-wedding' photo shoot while engaged?

A pre-wedding photo session involving touching, being alone together or uncovered ʿawrah is not permitted because the couple are not yet married.
Most pre-wedding sessions involve holding hands, embracing or intimate poses, while an engaged couple are still not mahram. If you still want one, make sure: clothing covers the ʿawrah, there is no touching, a mahram or family member is present, and the poses are modest. A safer alternative is to hold the photo session after the marriage contract ('post-wedding'), when all of that is lawful. Also consider the consequences of spreading photos on social media if the engagement is later broken off. See khitbah.

Sources

Surah an-Nur 24:30-31Sahih al-Bukhari 5233

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Related questions

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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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