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Mahr:
Mahr is the gift that is given by the husband to his
wife at wedding. It can be anything in any amount,
as agreed by the bride and bride-groom.Mahr is a token
commitment of the husband's responsibility and may
be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the
bride herself. The amount of mahr is not legally specified,
however, moderation according to the existing social
norm is recommended. The mahr may be paid immediately
to the bride at the time of marriage, or deferred
to a later date, or a combination of both. The deferred
mahr however, falls due in case of death or divorce.
One matrimonial party expresses 'ijab" willing
consent to enter into marriage and the other party
expresses 'qubul" acceptance of the responsibility
in the assembly of marriage ceremony. The contract
is written and signed by the bride and the groom and
their two respective witnesses. This written marriage
contract ("Aqd-Nikah) is then announced publicly.
Allah says about Mahr in the Chapter
`Woman' in Quran:
And give the women (on marriage) their Mahr as a free
gift ...
Qur'an [4 : 4]
But if you had given the latter a cantar (of gold
i.e. a great amount) for dower (Mahr) take not the
least bit of it back ...
Qur'an [4 : 20]
Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: " A woman came to the
Prophet,, and presented herself to him (for marriage).
He said, 'I am not in need of women these days.' Then
a man said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Marry her to me."
The Prophet asked him, 'What have you got?' He said,
'I have got nothing.' The Prophet said, 'Give her
something, even an iron ring.' He said, 'I have got
nothing.' The Prophet asked (him), "How much
of the Quran do you know (by heart)?' He said, 'So
much and so much.' The Prophet said, 'I have married
her to you for what you know of the Quran.' '"
[Bukhari]
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