Dowry is an amount of money that the groom should pay to his to be wife at the time of marriage contract. It is mandatory by Quran and Sunnah and it becomes wife’s property. It is enjoined by God to honor brides.
The dowry
Definition: The Arabic term sadaq, i.e. dowry, is derived from a root that means ‘truth’, but in an Islamic context it refers to the money the groom must pay to his bride in connection with the marriage contract.[1] It is required according to the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the unanimity of scholars.
Ruling: The husband must pay the dowry to his wife once the contract has been made, and it cannot be written off. This is clear from the Qur’an, as ِAllah says:
‘And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.’
(4:4)
‘To those with whom you seek to enjoy marriage, you shall give the dowers due to them’
(4:24)
Sahl ibn Sa'd reports:
‘A woman came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said that she had made herself a gift to Allah and His messenger. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I have no need for wives.” A man said to him: “Marry her to me.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) told him: “Give her some clothes in dowry.”
Related by al-Bukhari, hadith No. 5,029; Muslim, hadith No. 1,425
All Muslims agree that a dowry is both legitimate and required for marriage.[2]
references
- [1] Al-Nadawi, Al-Fiqh al-Muyassar, p. 301.
- [2] Al-Nadawi, Al-Fiqh al-Muyassar, p. 301.