Question Summary:
I gave a loan of a large sum of money to my fiance before we beacme engaged. Personally I am not in a rush to ask for it back until I need it, however Islamically does the amount have to be paid back…

Question Detail:

I gave a loan of a large sum of money to my fiance before we beacme engaged. Personally I am not in a rush to ask for it back until I need it, however Islamically does the amount have to be paid back to me before Nikah takes place, would it affect Mahr or anything if he owes me a substantial amount  already?

Answer :

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
The loan is different from the Mehr. When you marry, your husband will have to offer you Mehr. That will have nothing to do with the amount he owes you in lieu of the loan.
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah