What is the ruling on being alone with the woman to whom one is engaged?

Question:
The questioner asks: What is the ruling on being alone with and enjoying the company of the woman to whom one is engaged before consummating the marriage? And what is the ruling on giving gifts to the fiancée before the marriage contract is concluded?

Answer:
If he has concluded a valid marriage contract with her, she becomes his wife. It is permissible for him to be alone with her, to sit with her, and for her to uncover herself in his presence, because by the contract she has become his wife. However, the custom of people is that they do not do this until after consummation. If he does it, it causes confusion, and it brings about evil and fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). A person should avoid what involves fitnah and evil. As for the permissibility in the Shari'ah, it is permissible. As for gifts, he may give them to her and give her whatever he wants; there is no prohibition.