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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books An Introduction To The Rights And Duties Of Women In Islam The Mahr of Women and its Philosophy When the marriage vows are recited, the husband gives his wife a gift that is called Mihr or Sadaq . The word Mihr does not appear in the Holy Quran, however, the word Sadaq has been employed.

The Quran states: وَ آتُواْ النَّسَاء صَدُقَاتِهِنَّ نِحْلَةً فَإِن طِبْنَ لَكُمْ عَن شَيْءٍ مِّنْهُ نَفْسًا فَكُلُوهُ هَنِيئًا مَّرِيئًا “And give unto women their Sadaq willingly and if they freely remit any part of it to you, consume it in pleasure and delight.” [^1] No specific amount has been determined for Sadaq —it is a matter that is decided by mutual agreement between the woman and man.

Imam Baqir (‘a) has stated: قال ابو جعفر (ع): «الصداق ما تراضیا علیه من قلیل او کثیر، فهذا الصداق.» Sadaq is something that the betrothed agree upon, whether slight or considerable.[^2] There is no minimum amount set for Mahr although various Hadith suggest that it not be excessively low.

Imam Sadiq (‘a) has cited Imam ‘Ali (‘a) through his forefathers: جعفر بن محمّد، عن آبائه، عن علیّ (ع) قال: «إنّی أکره أن یکون المهر أقلّ من عشرة دراهم؛ لئلّا یشبه مهر البغی.» I do not like Mahr to be less than ten dirham, so it does not resemble the payment of a prostitute.[^3] Additionally, no maximum amount has been specified for Sadaq . Even though a high Mahr is not forbidden, Islam does not regard setting high Mahr and competing in Mahr to be prudent and has advised against it.

Amir al-Mu’minin (‘a) has declared: عن علیّ (ع) قال: «لاتغالوا بمهور النساء فتکون عداوة.» Do not set substantial Mahr for women and do not compete in its excess for this causes enmity.[^4] We must not be so uncompromising in determining Mihr so as to hamper the marriage of young adults.

We must refrain from excess and determine an appropriate and moderate Mahr that befits the standing of engaged couples and the social station of their families and is also compatible with the financial means of the husband-to-be. Furthermore, there is no limitation in the type of Mahr —it can be any type of property; such as gold, silver, real estate, currency, domestic appliances, carpets, dishes, cars, clothes, and any other thing that can be owned.

However, it is in the good interests of the woman that, if feasible, she sets her Mahr to be real estate, gold, silver, and such. This is so its worth does not decrease over time and can be her reserve.

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