Question: What is the ruling in the Quran regarding dowry (Mahr)?
Answer: The Quran does not specify a fixed limit for dowry (Mahr), neither in terms of a minimum nor a maximum. The following points clarify this ruling:
«التمس ولو خاتما من حديد»
(“Seek even a ring made of iron [for dowry].”)
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Hadith No. 4842]
This shows that the dowry can be as simple and modest as possible, depending on the man's capability.
وَإِنْ أَرَدْتُمُ اسْتِبْدَالَ زَوْجٍ مَكَانَ زَوْجٍ وَآتَيْتُمْ إِحْدَاهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا فَلَا تَأْخُذُوا مِنْهُ شَيْئًا
“But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount (of gold), do not take [back] anything from it.”
[Surah An-Nisa: 20]
The phrase “وَآتَيْتُمْ إِحْدَاهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا” (“and you have given one of them a great treasure”) demonstrates that even a large dowry is permissible.
“Allah burdens no person beyond their capacity.”
Thus, the emphasis is on mutual understanding, simplicity, and fulfilling the dowry according to one’s financial ability without causing undue hardship.
Reference:
[Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi’i رحمه الله]
Answer: The Quran does not specify a fixed limit for dowry (Mahr), neither in terms of a minimum nor a maximum. The following points clarify this ruling:
1. No Minimum Limit for Mahr
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed a man desiring marriage as follows:«التمس ولو خاتما من حديد»
(“Seek even a ring made of iron [for dowry].”)
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Hadith No. 4842]
This shows that the dowry can be as simple and modest as possible, depending on the man's capability.
2. No Maximum Limit for Mahr
The Quran permits large amounts of dowry if one chooses to give it. Allah says:وَإِنْ أَرَدْتُمُ اسْتِبْدَالَ زَوْجٍ مَكَانَ زَوْجٍ وَآتَيْتُمْ إِحْدَاهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا فَلَا تَأْخُذُوا مِنْهُ شَيْئًا
“But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount (of gold), do not take [back] anything from it.”
[Surah An-Nisa: 20]
The phrase “وَآتَيْتُمْ إِحْدَاهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا” (“and you have given one of them a great treasure”) demonstrates that even a large dowry is permissible.
3. Moderation and Simplicity in Mahr
While dowry is not restricted by any limits, greed and extravagance should be avoided. A father is encouraged to marry his daughter to a person who is able to give her something reasonable as Mahr. If a person has limited means, then:“Allah burdens no person beyond their capacity.”
Thus, the emphasis is on mutual understanding, simplicity, and fulfilling the dowry according to one’s financial ability without causing undue hardship.
Conclusion
The Quran and Sunnah provide clear guidelines about Mahr without imposing rigid restrictions. It is essential to act with fairness, avoiding excessive demands, and facilitating marriages for the ease and benefit of the individuals involved. Allah knows best.Reference:
[Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi’i رحمه الله]