Mahr

The gift of money or property the groom owes the bride, which belongs to her alone.

Also written · Mehr · Meher · Maher · Mahar · Mehir · Sadaq · Saduqah · Mahr muajjal · Mahr muakhkhar · dowry · bridal gift · bride gift

The meaning

What Mahr means in Islam

The Qur'an tells men to give it graciously, as a free gift. It is not a bride price paid to her family, and nobody else has any claim on it. It may be paid at once or deferred, and there is no fixed amount: the Prophet told one man to look for even an iron ring, and in the end married him to her for the Qur'an he had memorised, while extravagance was discouraged. If a marriage ends before consummation, half is normally due.

Evidence · Qur’an · Stated directly in the Qur’an

Read beside it

Words that sit beside it

NikahThe Islamic marriage contract, formed by offer, acceptance, witnesses and a mahr.نِكاح
Wali (marriage guardian)The male relative who contracts a woman's marriage on her behalf, usually her father.وَلِيّ
TalaqDivorce pronounced by the husband, which Islamic law permits but treats as a last resort.طَلاق
NafaqahMaintenance: the husband's duty to provide housing, food and clothing for wife and children.نَفَقة