Concept of Mahr in Islam
Mahr in Islam (bridal gift) is a fundamental and obligatory part of an Islamic marriage contract. It is a gift given by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage. The purpose of Mahr is to honour the bride and provide her with security in her new life.
Surah An-Nisa directly references Mahr in the Quran, stating:
This verse emphasizes the groom’s responsibility to provide the Mahr as a generous gift.
To learn about marriage in Islam, visit this link: Marriage in Islam According to the Quran & Sunnah.
Mahr can consist of any valuable assets agreed upon by the bride and groom, typically including:
- Cash: The most common form of Mahr, often chosen for its primary utility and simplicity.
- Property: Mahr can also be in the form of property, such as land, a house, or other real estate assets. This form of Mahr offers the bride long-term security and is often regarded as a substantial gift.
- Other Assets: In addition to cash and property, Mahr can also include other valuable assets such as jewelry, vehicles, shares in a business, or even commitments to cover educational expenses. To fulfill the Mahr obligation, you should provide these assets with clear value.
Purpose of Mahr
The Mahr is a symbol of respect and care from the groom to the bride, highlighting the responsibility and obligation inherent in marriage. Its main purpose is to provide financial security to the bride. Since she receives it directly and has complete control over it, the Mahr serves as a form of financial insurance. It ensures that the bride has personal assets that she can use as she sees fit, potentially providing her economic independence or support in times of need.
Mahr of the Prophets
Hazrat Musa to the Daughter of Hazrat Shoaib
After Hazrat Musa (AS) fled from Egypt following an incident with the Egyptians, he traveled to Midian. There, He (AS) met the daughters of Hazrat Shoaib (AS), who were struggling to water their flocks due to the presence of shepherds who mistreated them. Hazrat Musa (AS) assisted them, and as a result, they were able to water their sheep.
Upon returning home, the daughters informed their father, Hazrat Shoaib (AS), about the kind stranger who had helped them. Hazrat Shoaib (AS) sent for Hazrat Musa (AS) and offered him a position working as a shepherd for him. He also proposed that Hazrat Musa (AS) marry one of his daughters as a reward for his help and to strengthen the relationship between them. Hazrat Musa (AS) agreed and worked for Hazrat Shoaib (AS) for eight to ten years, fulfilling the conditions of the Mahr and the marriage contract. Mahr is not necessarily in the form of material wealth but can also be a substantial personal commitment and labor.
Mahr Given by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) To Hazrat Khadija (RA)
Before the revelations of Islam began, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married his first wife, Hazrat Khadija bint Khuwaylid. At the time of their marriage, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 25 years old, and Hazrat Khadija (RA) was 40. As a mahr, it is reported that Prophet (SAW) gave her twenty goats and, according to some accounts, twenty camels. This amount was significant and reflected her status and the societal norms at that time.
To Hazrat Aisha (RA)
The Mahr given to Hazrat Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA), one of the Prophet’s wives after the advent of Islam, was twelve uqiyah and a nashsh (half an uqiyah). This amount is equivalent to 500 dirhams. This Mahr reflects the simplicity and modesty of marriage in early Islam.
Other Wives
The Mahr for the Prophet’s (SAW) other wives varied, but it was generally in line with the social and economic norms of the time. The Mahr was typically modest, a point that the Prophet (PBUM) highlighted to his followers as a means of ensuring that marriage was attainable and not overly burdensome.
Types of Mahr
Here’s an explanation of the types of Mahr in Islam:
- Mahr al-Mithl (Customary Mahr): Local customs and traditions determine this type of Mahr. It matches what people generally give to women of similar status, family background, and social standing. Consequently, this ensures fairness and consistency within the community.
- Mahr al-Musamma (Specified Mahr): Both parties explicitly agree upon and specify this Mahr at the time of the marriage contract. It can be any amount or form of wealth that the bride and groom mutually agree upon.
- Mahr Mu’ajjal (Prompt Mahr): This type of Mahr is paid immediately or at the time of the marriage ceremony. The marriage contract fulfills this part right away, reflecting the husband’s immediate commitment.
- Mahr Muwajjal (Deferred Mahr): This Mahr is agreed upon to be paid at a later date, not immediately. It can be settled at a specified time in the future or upon a particular event, such as the end of the marriage or a specific milestone.
Each type of Mahr serves to fulfill the Islamic requirement of providing a financial gift to the bride and ensuring the goodness of the marital contract.
How to Calculate Mahr in Islam
There’s no specific formula for calculating Mahr. It’s primarily based on mutual agreement. The calculation of Mahr is not fixed and can be set between the bride and groom.
The amount of Mahr, a form of wealth or benefit owed to the bride in Islamic law, is influenced by various factors like social status, family background, and customary practices. Both parties should agree upon it, and it should be within the groom’s means to ensure it is reasonable and doesn’t become a burden.
Consult with a local Islamic scholar or religious leader for a more in-depth understanding and guidance. They can provide advice based on your specific circumstances and local customs.
Minimum Mahr in Islam
In Islam, there is no fixed minimum amount for Mahr. However, it should be something valuable and significant enough to honour the bride. A Hadith narrated by Hazrat Sahl bin Sad (RA):
“A woman came to the Prophet (SAW) and presented herself to him (for marriage). He (PBUM) said, “I am not in need of women these days.” Then, a man said, “O Messenger of Allah (SAW)! Marry her to me.” The Prophet (SAW) asked, “What have you got?” He said, “I have nothing.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Go and search for something, even if it is an iron ring.” He went and returned, saying, “I could not find anything, not even an iron ring, but this is my Izar (waist sheet).” He had no Rida (upper garment). The Prophet (SAW) said, “What will she do with your Izar? If you wear it, she will have nothing of it to wear, and if she wears it, you will have nothing of it to wear.” So, the man sat for a long period and then got up. When the Prophet (SAW) saw him going, he ordered that he be called back. When he came, the Prophet (SAW) said, “How much of the Quran do you know (by heart)?” He said, “I know such and such Surah and such and such Surah,” naming the Surahs. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Can you recite it by heart?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Go, I have married her to you for what you know of the Quran. (as her Mahrr)”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5132)
This Hadith highlights the flexibility of Mahr and the importance of making it accessible to individuals of different financial means. Even knowledge of the Quran can serve as a Mahr if someone cannot afford monetary or physical gifts.
Rules of Mahr
Here are the rules regarding Mahr:
No Set Maximum or Minimum: In Islamic law, there is no set maximum or minimum amount for Mahr. It should be reasonable and within the husband’s capacity, but it should not be so high as to burden the marriage or so low as to devalue the wife’s status.
Part of Marriage Contract: Mahr in Islam must be clearly defined in the marriage contract during the Nikkah ceremony. If it is not mentioned, the marriage is still valid, but the wife has the right to claim a fair amount later, known as Mahr al-Mithl.
A Waiver by the Wife: Although Mahr is her right, the wife has the option to forgive or waive it partially or entirely, either at the time of marriage or later. However, this must be done willingly without any pressure.
Enforcement: In case of conflicts, Islamic law courts can enforce Mahr’s payment based on the marriage contract and Islamic legal principles.
Mahr in Case of Divorce: If a husband divorces his wife after the marriage is completed, she is permitted to receive the full amount of Mahr. If the divorce occurs before completion, she is entitled to receive half of the agreed Mahr unless she chooses to forgive it.
These rules ensure that Mahr upholds the dignity and rights of the wife in an Islamic marriage, reflecting the seriousness and responsibility associated with the marital bond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Mahr the right of the wife?
Yes, Mahr is the complete right of the wife. It is a compulsory part of the Islamic marriage contract, given directly to the bride and under her control.
Q2. What is Fatimi Mahr?
Fatimi Mahr refers to the Mahr given by Hazrat Ali (RA) to Hazrat Fatimah (RA), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In some cultures, people often consider it a standard for Mahr. Additionally, it includes a modest amount of wealth or goods that were culturally appropriate at the time. Today, Fatimi Mahr is sometimes adopted as a model of simplicity and purity.
Q3. Who decides Haq Mehr?
The bride and groom, or their respective guardians/families, decide Haq Mehr mutually.
Q4. What is the best Mahr in Islam?
The best Mahr is considered to be easy and manageable for the groom to provide and meaningful to the bride. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged his followers to make the Mahr as simple and as reasonable as possible to facilitate easy and early marriage.
Q5. Is there anyone who can avoid giving Haq Mehr?
The Mahr is a fundamental part of every Muslim marriage contract and is the right of the bride. According to Islamic law, failing to include it can invalidate the marriage contract. It is essential to give the Mahr to ensure the validity of the marriage.
Q6. Is Mahr a bride price?
No, Mahr is not a bride price. It is a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride as part of the Islamic marriage contract.
Q7. Who has the right to Mahr?
The right to Mahr only belongs to the bride. Once given, it becomes her property, and she can use it as she wishes without any obligation to her family or husband.
Q8. Is Islamic marriage valid without Mahr?
No, an Islamic marriage is generally not considered valid without Mahr. It must be specified and agreed upon at the time of marriage. If someone misses it, the marriage still takes place. However, the obligation to provide Mahr remains and should be settled as soon as the oversight is realized.
Conclusion
Mahr in Islam holds great importance in marriage as it represents the groom’s commitment and respect for his bride. However, many Muslim societies neglect to give attention to Mahr. Despite spending a significant amount on wedding expenses, many people neglect the Mahr, which is a woman’s right. We often witness grand weddings where people do not give Mahr. Consequently, they clearly disobey Allah’s (SWT) command, even though Mahr is only excused for those who truly have nothing to offer. Allah (SWT) commands us to give Mahr.
Let’s make a conscious effort to illuminate the importance of Mahr in our communities. By understanding and upholding this vital aspect of Islamic marriage, we not only honor our faith but also empower women.
