The Virtue of Forgiving Mahr: Understanding Dowry in Islam

The Significance of Mahr in Marriage: When and Why to Forgive

Question: What is the virtue of forgiving the dowry (Mahr), and in what circumstances should it be forgiven? Can a high amount of Mahr be set?

Answer: The dowry (Mahr) is a financial right of the wife, given by the husband, as ordained by Allah, to benefit her. It is not meant to be forgiven but to be used by the wife. However, if the wife wishes to forgive all or part of the Mahr out of her free will and without any coercion, she may do so. There is no specific virtue of forgiving Mahr mentioned in Hadith, as it is her right, and she is encouraged to claim it. Regarding setting a high Mahr, the Shari’ah encourages that the Mahr should be reasonable and in accordance with societal norms and the husband’s financial ability. Setting an excessively high Mahr beyond the husband’s means is considered unjust and should be avoided.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail