It is known that engagement is a promise to marriage, and also the period of time between proposal and marriage – which may be lengthy or trivial. During this period, a couple is supposed to know one another well and identify things of agreement and disagreement for both of them in order to lead a stable and successful marital life in the future. This aim is supposed to take place within the limits of sharia which maintain that it is unallowable for fiancé to be alone with his fiancée and to touch, go out alone with her, etc.
It should be noted that it is a gift from Allah to a man that He gives him a good wife. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “This world is temporary conveniences and the best of its comforts is a believing wife, who when you look at her she pleases you and if you tell her to do something she obeys you, and if you are away from her she protects you with regard to herself and your wealth.“
Addressing this specific issue,Dr. Rajab Abu Maleeh, a sharia consultant, stated,
‘Engagement is a promise to marriage. Thus, it is allowable for the man and the woman to excuse his or her self of that promise and let the other one knows that. This is not dependable on the existence of cause, although breaking it should be for a proper cause. In other words, a man or woman have the right to continue the relations for any reason or for no reason, although it is not recommended to break it without a good reason.’