What is the ruling on proposing marriage (khutbah) to a woman who has already received a proposal from another man?
Chapter on What is Prohibited to Marry and Combining Between Them and Other Matters
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
If a woman accepts the suitor, either directly or through her guardian, it is forbidden for any other man to propose to her. This is based on the Hadith narrated by Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "No one among you should propose on the proposal of his brother until he marries her or abandons the proposal." This prohibition prevents causing disruption to the first suitor and inciting enmity among people, analogous to the prohibition of selling upon the sale of one's brother. This ruling is generally agreed upon by scholars, although some interpret the prohibition as mere dislike (karaha), while the apparent meaning suggests prohibition.
Supporting text
If the woman rejects the first suitor or does not lean towards him, then it is permissible for others to propose. This is evidenced by the case of Fatima bint Qays, whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised after hearing that Mu'awiyah and Abu Jahl had proposed to her, ultimately suggesting she marry Usama bin Zayd. Furthermore, if a man proposes during a woman's waiting period ('iddah) and warns her not to pass him by, her marriage is not prohibited to others based on the precedent of Fatima.