Fatwa by: Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen (may Allah preserve him)
Question:
What is your opinion on extravagant dowries and the wastefulness often associated with wedding ceremonies? Particularly, what are your thoughts on spending large sums of money on honeymoons? Does Shariah support such practices?
Answer:
Extravagance and wastefulness in dowries and wedding ceremonies are against Shariah principles. A wedding with minimal expenses is the most blessed, as the less one spends, the greater the blessings. Typically, such issues arise because women, in particular, urge men toward higher dowries and lavish spending. If a lower dowry is offered, they often reject it, saying that the dowry for their daughter should be a certain substantial amount. Similarly, the excessive expenses incurred for ceremonies are also discouraged by Shariah. This falls under the guidance of Allah Almighty in His command:
"And do not waste [resources] extravagantly; indeed, Allah does not like the extravagant."
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:141)
Such extravagance is often spurred on by women, who may say, "Look, in such-and-such program, they did this or that," encouraging men to spend more. In such matters, it is essential to adhere to Shariah boundaries without exceeding limits and displaying wastefulness, as wastefulness is prohibited.
"And do not waste [resources] extravagantly; indeed, Allah does not like the extravagant."
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:141)
As for honeymoons, this is a highly detestable and reprehensible practice. It is merely an imitation of non-Muslims and a waste of considerable wealth, in addition to the loss of religious values, especially if celebrated in non-Islamic countries. In such cases, newlyweds return with destructive habits and customs that pose a threat to both themselves and the Muslim community. However, if a person intends to travel with his wife to visit the Prophet’s Mosque or to perform Umrah, there is no harm in this; rather, it is highly commendable.
Question:
What is your opinion on extravagant dowries and the wastefulness often associated with wedding ceremonies? Particularly, what are your thoughts on spending large sums of money on honeymoons? Does Shariah support such practices?
Answer:
Extravagance and wastefulness in dowries and wedding ceremonies are against Shariah principles. A wedding with minimal expenses is the most blessed, as the less one spends, the greater the blessings. Typically, such issues arise because women, in particular, urge men toward higher dowries and lavish spending. If a lower dowry is offered, they often reject it, saying that the dowry for their daughter should be a certain substantial amount. Similarly, the excessive expenses incurred for ceremonies are also discouraged by Shariah. This falls under the guidance of Allah Almighty in His command:
"And do not waste [resources] extravagantly; indeed, Allah does not like the extravagant."
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:141)
Such extravagance is often spurred on by women, who may say, "Look, in such-and-such program, they did this or that," encouraging men to spend more. In such matters, it is essential to adhere to Shariah boundaries without exceeding limits and displaying wastefulness, as wastefulness is prohibited.
"And do not waste [resources] extravagantly; indeed, Allah does not like the extravagant."
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:141)
As for honeymoons, this is a highly detestable and reprehensible practice. It is merely an imitation of non-Muslims and a waste of considerable wealth, in addition to the loss of religious values, especially if celebrated in non-Islamic countries. In such cases, newlyweds return with destructive habits and customs that pose a threat to both themselves and the Muslim community. However, if a person intends to travel with his wife to visit the Prophet’s Mosque or to perform Umrah, there is no harm in this; rather, it is highly commendable.