Is a marriage contract without consummation considered a state of chastity (ihsan)?

Question : May Allah reward you. The questioner asks: If a man contracts a marriage with a woman but does not consummate it, is he considered to be in a state of chastity (muhassin) or not?

Answer : No, a marriage contract does not constitute a state of chastity (ihsan) until sexual intercourse takes place. So if a man marries a woman, contracts the marriage, enters upon her, touches her, and kisses her, but does not have sexual intercourse with her, he is not considered to be in a state of chastity. He is not considered to be in a state of chastity unless he has sexual intercourse with her. This is if this is his first marriage. However, if he had previously married another woman and had sexual intercourse with her, then he is considered to be in a state of chastity. Yes.