Khitbah
خطبة
Pronunciation: KHIT-bah
The Islamic engagement — a formal proposal and mutual promise to marry, which is not itself a marriage.
Definition
The formal proposal and mutual promise to marry in Islam. A khitbah creates exclusivity — once a proposal is accepted, another man may not propose over it until the first matter is concluded (Sahih al-Bukhari 5142) — and legitimizes the process of the two parties getting to know one another within Islamic boundaries.
It is not a nikah: the engaged couple remain non-mahram to each other until the marriage contract is concluded, and either party may still withdraw, since the khitbah is a promise rather than a binding contract. The engagement period is traditionally used for verification, consultation (istisharah), istikhara, agreeing the mahr, and preparing the marriage documents.
Related Terms
Nikahنكاح
The Islamic marriage contract — verbal or written, requiring offer, acceptance, and witnesses.
Mahrمهر
The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage — a financial right of the wife, due from the husband.
Waliولي
The bride's marriage guardian — typically her father or closest male relative — required for a valid nikah in most madhhabs.
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Khitbah (خطبة) — The Islamic engagement — a formal proposal and mutual promise to marry, which is not itself a marriage. The formal proposal and mutual promise to marry in Islam. A khitbah creates exclusivity — once a proposal is accepted, another man may not propose over it until the first matter is concluded (Sahih al-Bukhari 5142) — and legitimizes the process of the two parties getting to know one another within Islamic boundaries.
- The Islamic engagement — a formal proposal and mutual promise to marry, which is not itself a marriage.
- Category: Contracts
- Related: Nikah, Mahr, Wali
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01
Editorial Team, HalalWallet
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