Does the Husband Still Owe Haqq-e-Mahr if the Wife Forgives It?

Understanding Haqq-e-Mahr Forgiveness: When is the Husband Exempt from Paying?

Question: If the wife forgives her haqq-e-mahr(right of bride price determined at the time of marriage/right of dower), is the husband still obligated to pay it?  

Answer: Often, wives are coerced or tricked into forgiving their haqq-e-mahr. However, if the wife willingly and happily forgives it without any pressure from the husband, then the husband does not need to pay it again. Once forgiven, it is sufficient, and the dowry is no longer due from the husband. Allah says in the Quran:  

"And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart, but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it, and enjoy it without fear of any harm (as Allah has made it lawful)." (Surah An-Nisa: 4)  

This verse clarifies that the dowry is the wife’s right, and the husband should happily give it to her. However, if the wife willingly forgives it, the husband is absolved of this obligation. If the dowry is forgiven under coercion, it is not valid, and the husband must still pay it. 

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail