There are some customs that occur in a man’s proposal to a woman, including keeping it secret out of fear of sorcery and the like.

The questioner : Your Eminence, regarding the proposal, there are two matters. The first matter is that it must be kept secret, meaning it is obligatory that it be a secret so that the evil eye or envy does not affect her.

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : I mean, this is widespread in Saudi Arabia. They do not invite anyone to it except a very small number, two or three people, the groom’s family and the bride’s family, on a very limited scale. This is in Riyadh. So I asked about the reason, and they said: so that the evil eye or sorcery does not affect her. Do not let anyone know, and do not inform anyone about it. Does this have a basis?

The Shaykh : Not at all.

The questioner : The second matter, also in the proposal or during the writing of the contract, is that they say: it is forbidden to interlace your fingers. And they say to each person: unclasp your hands, unclasp your hands. Even here in Oman, I witnessed it. It exists in Saudi Arabia, and here in Oman they say: unclasp your hands.
The student : Do you take an omen from that?

The questioner : I mean, they do not allow anyone to have their fingers interlaced in this manner. I was surprised, I mean.

The Shaykh : This is undoubtedly not permissible, because this falls under the category of taking an omen.

The questioner : I mean, whether the young man has his fingers interlaced or his hands open.

The Shaykh : Taking an omen!

The questioner : From the category of taking an omen?

The Shaykh : Yes, it is not permissible.

The questioner : Yes, this is also not permissible.