Ruling on sitting with the fiancée after the marriage contract

Question:
The questioner, Salem Ghanim from Jordan, asks: Is it permissible for the fiancé to sit with his fiancée after the marriage contract and before consummation?

Answer:
Yes, she is his wife, so he may sit with her, look at her, and be alone with her; there is no harm, she is his wife. However, if he fears something from her family, or if she fears something from them, he should not do it. He should not expose her to any harm without the permission of her family, so that the seclusion is lawful.
As for if her family permits it, there is no harm in being alone with her, because she is his wife after the contract. But before the contract, no, he may not be alone with her. He may look at her, but he may not be alone with her before the contract.
As for after the contract, if her family permits it, there is no harm. Otherwise, let him be patient until the known and customary wedding takes place.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good and do you well, Your Eminence, the Shaykh.