Breaking off the engagement in case of necessity

Q: I have a problem that makes me feel anxious and fear (Part No. 18; Page No. 69) Allah's Wrath. I am an Algerian young lady living in the west of Algeria. Five years ago, a young man working as a soldier in the national army proposed to marry me. I accepted his proposal, but for some reason we separated without breaking the engagement. He promised to break the engagement when he would come back on vacation. However, he did not break the engagement for two years. His relatives do not want to be involved in this issue. I decided to end this relationship unilaterally. I ask your Eminence to guide me in solving this problem to be able to choose any other suitor. I want to be sincere to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) in doing this. Please answer me in the way that pleases Allah and His Messenger.

A: The mere engagement of a man and woman is not a marriage contract. Either the man or the woman may cancel the engagement if they think it is better to do so, whether the other party agrees or not. However, if the marriage contract is concluded, you may refer to the court in your district which does what is lawfully required. May Allah facilitate your affairs and the affairs of all Muslims. (Part No. 18; Page No. 70) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.