The Status of Dowry (Jahez) in Islam

By: Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)

Question:​

Many girls are deprived of the Sunnah of marriage due to the lack of dowry (jahez). Please explain the Islamic ruling on dowry and its implications.

Answer:​

The practice of demanding dowry or making marriage conditional upon material wealth or items from the bride's family is un-Islamic and prohibited in Shariah. Similarly, for the bride’s family to offer dowry as a means to secure the marriage is also against the principles of Islam. This custom, regardless of its name, is impermissible in Islam for the following reasons:

1. The Example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)​

Muslims are required to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in all aspects of life, as Allah (SWT) states:

"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much."

[Surah Al-Ahzab: 33:21]
Neither the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) nor his companions (رضي الله عنهم) practiced or demanded dowry. Events such as weddings, engagements, and other life milestones during their time were free from such customs. This practice has no basis in the Shariah.

2. Financial Responsibility in Marriage​

Islam places the financial responsibility of marriage and household necessities upon the husband, not the wife or her family. The Qur'an explicitly states:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend from their wealth."

[Surah An-Nisa: 4:34]
This verse makes it clear that expenses such as Mahr (dower), living expenses, and household needs are the responsibility of the husband. It is against the essence of Islam for the groom’s family to demand wealth or items from the bride’s family.

3. Influence of Non-Islamic Traditions​

The practice of dowry closely mirrors traditions from other religions, such as Hinduism, where daughters are not given inheritance, and dowry becomes a means of wealth transfer. Unfortunately, Muslims have adopted this practice, neglecting the Islamic principles of inheritance, which is a divine commandment:

"These are the limits set by Allah. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein forever. And that is the great success.
But whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits, He will admit him to the Fire to abide therein; and he shall have a humiliating torment."

[Surah An-Nisa: 4:13-14]
Dowry, in essence, negates the concept of inheritance and defies the commands of Allah (SWT).

4. Social Consequences of Dowry​

The harmful effects of dowry are evident in society:

1. Delayed Marriages:
   
   • Many poor families are unable to marry off their daughters due to the inability to provide dowry.
2. Exploitation of Girls:
   
   • Young women often remain unmarried for long periods, leading to emotional distress and societal issues.
3. Moral Corruption:
   
   • The absence of timely marriages can expose individuals to immoral behavior, causing harm to both individuals and society.
4. Economic Burden on Families:
   
   • Dowry creates immense financial stress on the bride's family, sometimes leading them to incur debt or sell property.

Islamic Alternative to Dowry​

Islam encourages simple and modest weddings. The Sunnah emphasizes minimal expenses and promotes practices that facilitate marriage, not complicate it. A Sahih Hadith demonstrates this principle:

"A woman came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and offered herself in marriage. A companion said, 'O Messenger of Allah, marry her to me if you do not need her.' The Prophet (ﷺ) asked, 'Do you have anything to offer as Mahr?' The man replied, 'I have nothing.' The Prophet (ﷺ) asked, 'Do you know any part of the Qur'an?' The man replied, 'Yes, I know certain Surahs.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'I marry her to you for what you know of the Qur'an.'"

[Sahih Bukhari: 5087]
This Hadith illustrates the simplicity of marriage in Islam. The groom, who had no material wealth, was married based on his ability to teach the Qur'an.

Conclusion​

Demanding or offering dowry is an un-Islamic practice with no basis in the Qur'an or Sunnah. It contradicts the principles of simplicity, fairness, and equality that Islam promotes in marriage. Dowry often leads to societal harm, such as delayed marriages, financial burdens, and moral issues. Muslims are urged to abandon this custom and conduct marriages in line with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

May Allah (SWT) guide us to protect ourselves from such un-Islamic practices and bless us with the ability to follow the Sunnah in all aspects of life. Ameen.