A man proposed to his cousin's daughter, and the engagement was prolonged due to the modest salary he receives from his job, but three months ago he was struck by an illness that prevents him from marrying.

The questioner : He proposed to his cousin's daughter, and the engagement period was prolonged due to the modest salary he receives from his job. He says: But three months ago I was struck by an illness that prevents me from marrying. The problem is that he and his fiancée brought out the Noble Qur'an and swore an oath that they would not leave each other and would marry. He asks: Does this oath on the Book of Allah make her my wife? And if I do not marry, what is the expiation for this oath? And should I inform her of this illness?

The Shaykh : A fiancée does not become a wife by mutual agreement with her fiancé that each of them will marry the other. She does not become a wife except through a valid, lawful marriage contract. It is obligatory for him to inform her of the illness that has befallen him so that she is fully aware of the matter. If she wishes, she may proceed, and if she wishes, she may not. If the marriage takes place, there is nothing upon them regarding the oath. If it does not take place, each of them must perform the expiation for an oath, because he has broken his oath. Yes.

The questioner : The listener also says that.