Question: What is the Islamic stance on excessive dowry (Mahr)?
Answer:
Islam encourages marriage and advises simplicity in its arrangements. The Shari'ah emphasizes that the costs associated with marriage, including the dowry (Mahr) and the celebration (Walima), should be kept modest and reasonable. Extravagance in these matters is discouraged and goes against the teachings of Islam.
The issue of excessive dowries is well-known and has been repeatedly addressed by scholars in their writings, books, and public sermons. They consistently remind the community about the harms of overburdening marriages with unnecessary expenses, which can create barriers to fulfilling this important Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Key Takeaways:
Answer:
Islam encourages marriage and advises simplicity in its arrangements. The Shari'ah emphasizes that the costs associated with marriage, including the dowry (Mahr) and the celebration (Walima), should be kept modest and reasonable. Extravagance in these matters is discouraged and goes against the teachings of Islam.
The issue of excessive dowries is well-known and has been repeatedly addressed by scholars in their writings, books, and public sermons. They consistently remind the community about the harms of overburdening marriages with unnecessary expenses, which can create barriers to fulfilling this important Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Key Takeaways:
- Encouragement of Marriage:
- Islam makes marriage accessible and simple, promoting it as a means of preserving faith and fostering family life.
- Moderation in Dowry and Celebrations:
- Keeping dowry and wedding costs modest aligns with the Sunnah and reflects a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation between families.
- Warnings Against Extravagance:
- Extravagance in dowry or celebrations can lead to financial burdens, delay in marriages, and social harm, which Islam seeks to avoid.