Is it permissible to be alone with a wife after the marriage contract has been concluded, even if he has not yet consummated the marriage?

The questioner : Is it permissible to be alone with a wife after the marriage contract has been concluded, but before he has consummated the marriage?

The Shaykh : So, being alone with her, or having intercourse with her...?

The questioner : I mean.

The Shaykh : I mean, well; she is his wife, and since he has contracted the marriage, she has become lawful for him.

The questioner : Oh Shaykh, if you please, on the topic, Professor?

Another questioner : On the topic, please go ahead.

The questioner : Is there not a fear—for example—that intercourse might occur without the public announcement of the wedding, for instance?

The Shaykh : What is feared?

The questioner : It is feared that this wife would be consummated without the public announcement of the wedding.

The Shaykh : Is the public announcement a pillar?

The questioner : No, it is not a pillar.

The Shaykh : Then what is feared?

The questioner : Custom and common practice.

The Shaykh : When the contract was made; did it become a Shari'ah contract?

The questioner : A Shari'ah contract, yes.

The Shaykh : I mean, with the permission of the guardian, and with two witnesses.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : And it is possible to have four instead of two, or six instead of four; that is the pillar, whereas this public announcement is a recommended practice.
Yes.
Other than that?