A man got engaged to a girl. He bought her the shabka (engagement jewelry) and other gifts. After a while, he fell ill, and doctors determined that he was suffering from a serious chronic disease that could be transmitted through sexual intimacy. In light of this, is it permissible to break off the engagement?

Averting harm and protecting lives is an obligation; Allah Almighty says, “Do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction” (Quran, 2: 195).  Proceeding with the marriage would subject the woman to serious harm. According to Islamic law, it is therefore obligatory to break off the engagement to ensure her well-being and protect her from harm.

And Allah Almighty knows best.