Mahr - A gift, not a penalty

Whenever a matter of Talaq (divorced from Muslim husband) appears in news papers, most often it is mentioned that Mahr is an amount to be paid by man to his wife in case the marriage is terminated. This is absolutely wrong and a misunderstanding. Actually , as per the Islamic teachings in holy Quran and Hadith (sayings of prophet Muhammad), Mahr is the amount to be paid by the groom to the bride, at the time of marriage (Nikah) and it is nothing but a gift money which she can expend as per her wish. And it is obligatory on groom to pay it at the time of Nikah. It is a must condition of Marriage (Nikah),without which Nikah is incomplete. It is right of a Muslim woman. Also it should be a hefty amount not a petty sum but considerable to groom’s financial condition.It can be cash or kind. It can be an amount equal to one month’s salary of groom or some or several grammas of gold or silver or can be a residential home, a farm or a factory.
It is the beginning of financial empowerment of a newlywed Muslim bride which
gives her a sense of security and respect.
On the other hand bride or his parents have nothing to give any dowry,
hunda or any gift in cash or kind. Islam makes husband responsible for financial
obligations of a family. There is no concept of dowry in Islam. This practice can be
seen in Islamic countries like Arab world, Iran or Indonesia-Malaysia. There is a
need of reform for Muslims in Indo-Pak sub-continent, as per the Quranic teaching.
Due to ignorance of Islamic teaching in India, many Muslims also think that
Mahr is to be paid at the time of Talaq only; otherwise there is no need to pay it.
And somehow it is looked as a penalty or a compensation for Talaq (divorced from
husband side). Mahr has nothing to do with Talaq. Mahr is a gift, not a penalty.
NAEEM SHAIKH
naeemmumbai@gmail.com