💍 Khitbah & engagement · #40

If a fiancé(e) dies before the marriage, what is the status of the gifts, mahr and ʿiddah?

No ʿiddah, no inheritance and no marital relationship, because the contract has not taken place.
A fiancé(e) is not a wife or husband, so the one left behind need not observe ʿiddah, does not inherit, and has no right to mahr. If any mahr money had been handed over, it is returned to the giver or their heirs. Gifts that were fully handed over usually remain the recipient's property, unless there is a different agreement or custom ('uruf); it is best settled amicably between the two families. A grieving fiancé(e) may mourn and pray, but is not subject to the mourning restrictions (ihdad) of a widow. See faraid.

Sources

Surah al-Baqarah 2:234Surah an-Nisa' 4:12

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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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