The ruling on proposing to a woman who is already engaged to another

Question:
May Allah reward you, Shaykh. A Sudanese man, who has used a code name for himself, asks: Is it permissible to propose to a woman who is already engaged, given that she is the one who desires it and her family is aware of it, and there is a family relationship between us?

Answer:
The suitor must withdraw. If the suitor withdraws from her and no longer desires her, or if they reject him and do not respond to him, then there is no harm in proposing to her. However, as long as he has not withdrawn, he has not lost interest in her, the engagement is still in effect, and the desire remains, it is not permissible for him to propose over his brother’s proposal. This is based on the authentic hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Yes.