What is the term for the pre-marriage engagement period, during which a formal proposal has been made but the marriage contract has not yet been finalized?

Explanation

– Khitbah refers to the pre-marriage engagement period, during which a formal proposal has been made and generally accepted, though the actual marriage contract (Nikah) has not yet been formally finalized.
– During this period, the couple is not yet considered married under Islamic law, and various restrictions applicable to unmarried individuals generally continue to apply.
– For exams, note that while this engagement period is a recognized social custom, it does not carry the same legal and religious status as the formal Nikah contract itself.