What is the ruling regarding parents refusing the marriage contract ("aqd al-qiran") for engaged young men and women until a short period before the wedding, while insisting on delaying the marriage until the house is fully and excessively furnished, knowing that the engaged couple have become very attached to each other and are experiencing pangs of conscience due to their transgression of the limits of Sharia?

Allah Almighty has legislated marriage to safeguard the chastity of both spouses, and He has commanded guardians to marry off those under their guardianship. It is incumbent upon the guardian to approve a marriage if the suitor is a man of religion and good character. Housing and furniture are not mandatory; rather, it is sufficient to provide only what is necessary, as the benefit of safeguarding the daughter's chastity outweighs such considerations. The guardian can عقد النكاح (perform the marriage contract) and delay the consummation until the husband has prepared what is required. If the guardian insists on refusing, the matter can be referred to a judge to solemnize her marriage. It must be noted that the suitor is a non-mahram (stranger), so khalwa (private seclusion) with him is not permissible, nor is speaking to him except out of necessity and to the extent of that necessity. Exchanging glances is not permissible.