3,454
edits
Mahr (Marital Price): Difference between revisions
no edit summary
| [checked revision] | [checked revision] |
No edit summary |
Lightyears (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| (7 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure= | {{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=4|Content=4|Language=4|References=1}} | ||
The | The Mahr (مهر) is a contract fee paid for by the groom to the bride in an Islamic marriage (see [[The Meaning of Nikah]]). Its purpose within Islamic law, as shown through the [[Islam and Scripture|Islamic texts]] themselves and the rulings of [[fiqh]], is to compensate the woman for the privilege of consummating the marriage through sexual intercourse with her. The mahr is an obligatory part of Islamic law. In the abscence of a mahr, the marriage is not valid <ref> Citation needed</ref>. | ||
The custom itself comes from pre-Islamic tribal times. In those times, the mahr would be paid from the bridegroom to the wali or guardian of the bride. Islam's laws change this custom by specifying the the mahr belongs directly to her. It is thus sui generis unlike the dowry or dower from western arranged marriage traditions. Islamic law has specifications about how and when it is to be given, and how these arrangements are to be made and taken care of in all cases, and there are many hadith traditions relating the prophets example on the subject. Although the explanations of the subject vary, the purpose of the mahr as explained by the Islamic texts is clear; it is a payment from a man to a woman; payment in full for the future sexual relations ([[nikah]]) the bridegroom will enjoy with her. This is illustrated by the requirement for a mahr in temporary "marriages", the statements of Prophet Muhammad, and the fact that a mahr cannot be taken back (except under extenuating circumstances) because the man has availed himself of the service for which it was payment <ref> Citation needed </ref>. | The custom itself comes from pre-Islamic tribal times. In those times, the mahr would be paid from the bridegroom to the wali or guardian of the bride. Islam's laws change this custom by specifying the the mahr belongs directly to her. It is thus sui generis unlike the dowry or dower from western arranged marriage traditions. Islamic law has specifications about how and when it is to be given, and how these arrangements are to be made and taken care of in all cases, and there are many hadith traditions relating the prophets example on the subject. Although the explanations of the subject vary, the purpose of the mahr as explained by the Islamic texts is clear; it is a payment from a man to a woman; payment in full for the future sexual relations ([[nikah]]) the bridegroom will enjoy with her. This is illustrated by the requirement for a mahr in temporary "marriages", the statements of Prophet Muhammad, and the fact that a mahr cannot be taken back (except under extenuating circumstances) because the man has availed himself of the service for which it was payment <ref> Citation needed </ref>. | ||
==Background and Role in Islamic Law and Marriage== | ==Background and Role in Islamic Law and Marriage== | ||
The mahr is the price which the bridegroom pays to the bride for the privilege of marital relations with her. The custom is an ancient Arabian one, and in pre-Islamic times it was customary to give the mahr to the wali or guardian of the woman, though this had changed by Muhammad's time. The word itself is also attested to in Syriac and Hebrew, where it has a similar meaning<ref>Citation needed</ref>. Islamic law codified the change which had happened shortly before Muhmmad came on the scene. The mahr is the main fiduciary responsibility of the Islamic marriage on the part of the man; Islamic law does not recognize shared assets or spousal support or alimony, so in the case that the man divorces the woman then the mahr is the financial instrument responsible for the sustenance and support of the woman <ref> Citation needed</ref>. The practice of [[nikaah-al-mut'ah]] also makes use of the mahr; in this case, the mahr is the price which is paid for the entirety of the marriage contract itself, which may last as little as one night, and was customarily a spear. The Arab custom of offering a spear for a "marriage" consisting of a night of passion is also an ancient one, being attested to in the works of the last pagan historian of the Roman Empire, Ammianus Marcellinus, writing in the 300's AD (Ammianus calls the wives in these cases "mercenary wives hired for a time" but curiously says it the wife that pays the husband; this may simply be a mistake on his part about the custom)<ref> Citation needed</ref>. The mahr thus serves both to compensate the woman for her sexual services in the marriage and to ensure her security in the event of a divorce or death of the husband. | The mahr is the price which the bridegroom pays to the bride for the privilege of marital relations with her. The custom is an ancient Arabian one, and in pre-Islamic times it was customary to give the mahr to the wali or guardian of the woman, though this had changed by Muhammad's time. The word itself is also attested to in Syriac and Hebrew, where it has a similar meaning<ref>Citation needed</ref>. Islamic law codified the change which had happened shortly before Muhmmad came on the scene. The mahr is the main fiduciary responsibility of the Islamic marriage on the part of the man; Islamic law does not recognize shared assets or spousal support or alimony, so in the case that the man divorces the woman then the mahr is the financial instrument responsible for the sustenance and support of the woman <ref> Citation needed</ref>. The practice of [[nikaah-al-mut'ah]] also makes use of the mahr; in this case, the mahr is the price which is paid for the entirety of the marriage contract itself, which may last as little as one night, and was customarily a spear. The Arab custom of offering a spear for a "marriage" consisting of a night of passion is also an ancient one, being attested to in the works of the last pagan historian of the Roman Empire, Ammianus Marcellinus, writing in the 300's AD (Ammianus calls the wives in these cases "mercenary wives hired for a time" but curiously says it is the wife that pays the husband; this may simply be a mistake on his part about the custom)<ref> Citation needed</ref>. The mahr thus serves both to compensate the woman for her sexual services in the marriage and to ensure her security in the event of a divorce or death of the husband. | ||
==Purpose of the mahr according to the Islamic tradition== | ==Purpose of the mahr according to the Islamic tradition== | ||
According to the | According to the below hadith, the purpose of the mahr is to make sexual relations lawful to the man. In explicit terms, as stated above, the mahr is payment for [[Sex|sexual intercourse with the woman.]] | ||
{{quote | {{ | {{quote | {{Abu Dawud||2083|darussalam}} | Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: | ||
The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The marriage of a woman who marries without the consent of her guardians is void. (He said these words) three times. ''''If there is cohabitation, she gets her dower for the intercourse her husband has had.'''' If there is a dispute, the sultan (man in authority) is the guardian of one who has none. }} | The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The marriage of a woman who marries without the consent of her guardians is void. (He said these words) three times. ''''If there is cohabitation, she gets her dower for the intercourse her husband has had.'''' If there is a dispute, the sultan (man in authority) is the guardian of one who has none. }} | ||
{{quote | {{ | {{quote | {{Abu Dawud||2131|darussalam}} | Narrated Basrah: | ||
A man from the Ansar called Basrah said: I married a virgin woman in her veil. When I entered upon her, I found her pregnant. (I mentioned this to the Prophet). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ''''She will get the dower, for you made her vagina lawful for you.'''' The child will be your slave. When she has begotten (a child), flog her (according to the version of al-Hasan). The version of Ibn AbusSari has: You people, flog her, or said: inflict hard punishment on him. }} | A man from the Ansar called Basrah said: I married a virgin woman in her veil. When I entered upon her, I found her pregnant. (I mentioned this to the Prophet). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ''''She will get the dower, for you made her vagina lawful for you.'''' The child will be your slave. When she has begotten (a child), flog her (according to the version of al-Hasan). The version of Ibn AbusSari has: You people, flog her, or said: inflict hard punishment on him. }} | ||
| Line 31: | Line 31: | ||
The issue of temporary marriage or "نكاح المتعة" nikaah al-mut'ah or "marriage of enjoyment" is a complicated one in Islam. Most modern orthodox Sunnis and Sunnis clerics reject it though it is still frequently practiced and condoned by Shi'ites, especially in Iran. Never the less the practice is well attested to in classical Islamic texts revered by Sunnis and also is attested to in pre-Islamic accounts of Arab life such as by the last great pagan historian writing in Latin, Amianus Marcellinus writing around 380, who refers to "have mercenary wives, hired under a temporary contract" <ref> Citation needed</ref>. In these "marriages of enjoyment" the mahr is given for the temporary "marriage", again underlining the fact that the mahr is a price to be paid for having sex with the woman who receives the mahr. | The issue of temporary marriage or "نكاح المتعة" nikaah al-mut'ah or "marriage of enjoyment" is a complicated one in Islam. Most modern orthodox Sunnis and Sunnis clerics reject it though it is still frequently practiced and condoned by Shi'ites, especially in Iran. Never the less the practice is well attested to in classical Islamic texts revered by Sunnis and also is attested to in pre-Islamic accounts of Arab life such as by the last great pagan historian writing in Latin, Amianus Marcellinus writing around 380, who refers to "have mercenary wives, hired under a temporary contract" <ref> Citation needed</ref>. In these "marriages of enjoyment" the mahr is given for the temporary "marriage", again underlining the fact that the mahr is a price to be paid for having sex with the woman who receives the mahr. | ||
{{quote | {{Muslim| | {{quote | {{Muslim||1406a|reference}} | | ||
Sabra Juhanni reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) permitted temporary marriage for us. So I and another person went out and saw a woman of Bana 'Amir, who was like a young long-necked she-camel. ''''We presented ourselves to her (for contracting temporary marriage), whereupon she said: What dower would you give me?'''' I said: My cloak. And my companion also said: My cloak. And the cloak of-my companion was superior to my cloak, but I was younger than he. So when she looked at the cloak of my companion she liked it, and when she cast a glance at me I looked more attractive to her. She then said: Well, you and your cloak are sufficient for me. I remained with her for three nights, and then Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He who has any such woman with whom he had contracted temporary marriage, he should let her off. }} | Sabra Juhanni reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) permitted temporary marriage for us. So I and another person went out and saw a woman of Bana 'Amir, who was like a young long-necked she-camel. ''''We presented ourselves to her (for contracting temporary marriage), whereupon she said: What dower would you give me?'''' I said: My cloak. And my companion also said: My cloak. And the cloak of-my companion was superior to my cloak, but I was younger than he. So when she looked at the cloak of my companion she liked it, and when she cast a glance at me I looked more attractive to her. She then said: Well, you and your cloak are sufficient for me. I remained with her for three nights, and then Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He who has any such woman with whom he had contracted temporary marriage, he should let her off. }} | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
2. Al mahr al mithli المهر المثلي-- the like or sameness mahr, this is a mahr whereby the woman is given a set amount of assets based off of the her own traits; the different madhaahib disagree which traits can be included, but this is generally thought to include things like the number and nature of her family, her ethnic background (some ethnic backgrounds are more desirable than others), beauty and intelligence <ref> citation needed </ref>. | 2. Al mahr al mithli المهر المثلي-- the like or sameness mahr, this is a mahr whereby the woman is given a set amount of assets based off of the her own traits; the different madhaahib disagree which traits can be included, but this is generally thought to include things like the number and nature of her family, her ethnic background (some ethnic backgrounds are more desirable than others), beauty and intelligence <ref> citation needed </ref>. | ||
Although the mahr is not given as a fixed amount, it is made clear in the traditional sources that al mahr al mithli is dependent upon the woman's social status. A woman cannot be given less of a mahr if she is an [[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3) | orphan]] or old; or for any other reason not dictated by the Qur'an or the | Although the mahr is not given as a fixed amount, it is made clear in the traditional sources that al mahr al mithli is dependent upon the woman's social status. A woman cannot be given less of a mahr if she is an [[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3) | orphan]] or old; or for any other reason not dictated by the Qur'an or the Sunnah. If she is a free woman then she is entitled to a mahr of the same value as any other free woman. Slaves are not of the same social status so they are not entitled to a mahr of the same value. The Qur'an makes it clear that the husband must be fair when giving a mahr: | ||
{{quote | {{Quran|4|3}} | | {{quote | {{Quran|4|3}} | | ||
| Line 79: | Line 79: | ||
Bukhari relates that after conquering the Jews at the battle of Khaybar, the prophet took the most beautiful woman of the Banu Nadir, Saafiya, as his war booty. She eventually converted to Islam from Judaism and married the prophet formally. Her manumission was her mahr: | Bukhari relates that after conquering the Jews at the battle of Khaybar, the prophet took the most beautiful woman of the Banu Nadir, Saafiya, as his war booty. She eventually converted to Islam from Judaism and married the prophet formally. Her manumission was her mahr: | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||371|darussalam}} | Narrated 'Abdul 'Aziz: | ||
Anas said, 'When Allah's Apostle invaded Khaibar, we offered the Fajr prayer there yearly in the morning) when it was still dark. The Prophet rode and Abu Talha rode too and I was riding behind Abu Talha. The Prophet passed through the lane of Khaibar quickly and my knee was touching the thigh of the Prophet . He uncovered his thigh and I saw the whiteness of the thigh of the Prophet. When he entered the town, he said, 'Allahu Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. Whenever we approach near a (hostile) nation (to fight) then evil will be the morning of those who have been warned.' He repeated this thrice. The people came out for their jobs and some of them said, 'Muhammad (has come).' (Some of our companions added, "With his army.") We conquered Khaibar, took the captives, and the booty was collected. Dihya came and said, 'O Allah's Prophet! Give me a slave girl from the captives.' The Prophet said, 'Go and take any slave girl.' He took Safiya bint Huyai. A man came to the Prophet and said, 'O Allah's Apostles! You gave Safiya bint Huyai to Dihya and she is the chief mistress of the tribes of Quraiza and An-Nadir and she befits none but you.' So the Prophet said, 'Bring him along with her.' So Dihya came with her and when the Prophet saw her, he said to Dihya, 'Take any slave girl other than her from the captives.' Anas added: ''''The Prophet then manumitted her and married her."'''' | Anas said, 'When Allah's Apostle invaded Khaibar, we offered the Fajr prayer there yearly in the morning) when it was still dark. The Prophet rode and Abu Talha rode too and I was riding behind Abu Talha. The Prophet passed through the lane of Khaibar quickly and my knee was touching the thigh of the Prophet . He uncovered his thigh and I saw the whiteness of the thigh of the Prophet. When he entered the town, he said, 'Allahu Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. Whenever we approach near a (hostile) nation (to fight) then evil will be the morning of those who have been warned.' He repeated this thrice. The people came out for their jobs and some of them said, 'Muhammad (has come).' (Some of our companions added, "With his army.") We conquered Khaibar, took the captives, and the booty was collected. Dihya came and said, 'O Allah's Prophet! Give me a slave girl from the captives.' The Prophet said, 'Go and take any slave girl.' He took Safiya bint Huyai. A man came to the Prophet and said, 'O Allah's Apostles! You gave Safiya bint Huyai to Dihya and she is the chief mistress of the tribes of Quraiza and An-Nadir and she befits none but you.' So the Prophet said, 'Bring him along with her.' So Dihya came with her and when the Prophet saw her, he said to Dihya, 'Take any slave girl other than her from the captives.' Anas added: ''''The Prophet then manumitted her and married her."'''' | ||
| Line 85: | Line 85: | ||
Thabit asked Anas, ''''"O Abu Hamza! What did the Prophet pay her (as Mahr)?" He said, "Her self was her Mahr for he manumitted her and then married her."'''' Anas added, "While on the way, Um Sulaim dressed her for marriage (ceremony) and at night she sent her as a bride to the Prophet . So the Prophet was a bridegroom and he said, 'Whoever has anything (food) should bring it.' He spread out a leather sheet (for the food) and some brought dates and others cooking butter. (I think he (Anas) mentioned As-SawTq). So they prepared a dish of Hais (a kind of meal). And that was Walrma (the marriage banquet) of Allah's Apostle ." }} | Thabit asked Anas, ''''"O Abu Hamza! What did the Prophet pay her (as Mahr)?" He said, "Her self was her Mahr for he manumitted her and then married her."'''' Anas added, "While on the way, Um Sulaim dressed her for marriage (ceremony) and at night she sent her as a bride to the Prophet . So the Prophet was a bridegroom and he said, 'Whoever has anything (food) should bring it.' He spread out a leather sheet (for the food) and some brought dates and others cooking butter. (I think he (Anas) mentioned As-SawTq). So they prepared a dish of Hais (a kind of meal). And that was Walrma (the marriage banquet) of Allah's Apostle ." }} | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5086|darussalam}} | Narrated Anas bin Malik: | ||
Allah's Apostle manumitted Safiyya and regarded her manumission as her Mahr. }} | Allah's Apostle manumitted Safiyya and regarded her manumission as her Mahr. }} | ||
| Line 93: | Line 93: | ||
Bukhari and Muslim both report that the prophet saw a piece of gold equal in weight to a date stone as being a sufficient mahr: | Bukhari and Muslim both report that the prophet saw a piece of gold equal in weight to a date stone as being a sufficient mahr: | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||6386|darussalam}} | Narrated Anas: | ||
The Prophet seeing a yellow mark (of perfume) on the clothes of 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf, said, "What about you?" 'Abdur-Rahman replied, "I have married a woman with a Mahr of gold equal to a date-stone." The Prophet said, "May Allah bestow His Blessing on you (in your marriage). Give a wedding banquet, (Walima) even with one sheep." }} | The Prophet seeing a yellow mark (of perfume) on the clothes of 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf, said, "What about you?" 'Abdur-Rahman replied, "I have married a woman with a Mahr of gold equal to a date-stone." The Prophet said, "May Allah bestow His Blessing on you (in your marriage). Give a wedding banquet, (Walima) even with one sheep." }} | ||
{{quote |{{Muslim| | {{quote |{{Muslim||1427e|reference}} | | ||
Abd al-Rahman b. 'Auf (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw the signs of the happiness of wedding in me, and I said: I have married a woman of the Ansar. He said: How much Mahr have you paid? I said: For a date-stone weight of gold. And in the hadith transmitted by Ishaq (it is): (nawat weight) of gold. }} | Abd al-Rahman b. 'Auf (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw the signs of the happiness of wedding in me, and I said: I have married a woman of the Ansar. He said: How much Mahr have you paid? I said: For a date-stone weight of gold. And in the hadith transmitted by Ishaq (it is): (nawat weight) of gold. }} | ||
| Line 105: | Line 105: | ||
Bukhari and Muslim both share a story of the prophet approving the mahr of a man who had no physically possessions, but could offer her several [[suwar]] of the [[Qur'an]] which he had memorized (at a time when the Qur'an was only known through memorization and scattered pieces of writing) as a mahr: | Bukhari and Muslim both share a story of the prophet approving the mahr of a man who had no physically possessions, but could offer her several [[suwar]] of the [[Qur'an]] which he had memorized (at a time when the Qur'an was only known through memorization and scattered pieces of writing) as a mahr: | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5087|darussalam}} | Narrated Sahl bin Sad As-Sa'idi: | ||
A woman came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have come to give you myself in marriage (without Mahr)." Allah's Apostle looked at her. He looked at her carefully and fixed his glance on her and then lowered his head. When the lady saw that he did not say anything, she sat down. A man from his companions got up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! If you are not in need of her, then marry her to me." ''''The Prophet said, "Have you got anything to offer?"'''' The man said, "No, by Allah, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet said (to him), "Go to your family and see if you have something." The man went and returned, saying, "No, by Allah, I have not found anything." Allah's Apostle said, "(Go again) and look for something, even if it is an iron ring." He went again and returned, saying, "No, by Allah, O Allah's Apostle! I could not find even an iron ring, but this is my Izar (waist sheet)." He had no rida. He added, "I give half of it to her." Allah's Apostle said, "What will she do with your Izar? If you wear it, she will be naked, and if she wears it, you will be naked." So that man sat down for a long while and then got up (to depart). When Allah's Apostle saw him going, he ordered that he be called back. When he came, ''''the Prophet said, "How much of the Quran do you know?"'''' He said, "I know such Sura and such Sura," counting them. The Prophet said, "Do you know them by heart?" He replied, "Yes." The Prophet said, ''''"Go, I marry her to you for that much of the Quran which you have."'''' }} | A woman came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have come to give you myself in marriage (without Mahr)." Allah's Apostle looked at her. He looked at her carefully and fixed his glance on her and then lowered his head. When the lady saw that he did not say anything, she sat down. A man from his companions got up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! If you are not in need of her, then marry her to me." ''''The Prophet said, "Have you got anything to offer?"'''' The man said, "No, by Allah, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet said (to him), "Go to your family and see if you have something." The man went and returned, saying, "No, by Allah, I have not found anything." Allah's Apostle said, "(Go again) and look for something, even if it is an iron ring." He went again and returned, saying, "No, by Allah, O Allah's Apostle! I could not find even an iron ring, but this is my Izar (waist sheet)." He had no rida. He added, "I give half of it to her." Allah's Apostle said, "What will she do with your Izar? If you wear it, she will be naked, and if she wears it, you will be naked." So that man sat down for a long while and then got up (to depart). When Allah's Apostle saw him going, he ordered that he be called back. When he came, ''''the Prophet said, "How much of the Quran do you know?"'''' He said, "I know such Sura and such Sura," counting them. The Prophet said, "Do you know them by heart?" He replied, "Yes." The Prophet said, ''''"Go, I marry her to you for that much of the Quran which you have."'''' }} | ||
{{quote | {{Muslim| | {{quote | {{Muslim||1425a|reference}} | | ||
Sahl b. Sa'd al-Sa'idi (Allah be pleased with him) reported: A woman came to Allah's Messenger. (may peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, I have come to you to entrust myself to you (you may contract my marriage with anyone at your discretion). Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw her and cast a glance at her from head to foot. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) then lowered his head. When the woman saw that he had made no decision in regard to her, she sat down. There stood up a person from amongst his companions and said: Messenger of Allah, marry her to me if you have no need of her. ''''He (the Holy Prophet) said: is there anything with you (which you can give as a dower)? He said: No, Messenger of Allah'''', by Allah I have nothing. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Go to your people (family) and see if you can find something. He returned and said: I have found nothing. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: See even if it is an Iron ring. He went and returned and said: No, by God, not even an iron ring, but only this lower garment of mine (Sahl said that he had no upper garment), half of which (I am prepared to part with) for her. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: How can your lower garment serve your purpose, for it you wear it, she would not be able to make any use of it and if she wears it there would not be anything on you? The man sat down and as the sitting prolonged he stood up (in disappointment) and as he was going back Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) commanded (him) to be called back, and as he came, ''''he said to him: Do you know any part of the Qur'an?'''' He said: I know such and such surahs (and he counted them). whereupon he said: Can you recite them from heart (from your memory)? He said: Yes, whereupon ''''he (Allah's Messenger) said: Go, I have given her to you in marriage for the part of the Qur'an which you know.'''' }} | Sahl b. Sa'd al-Sa'idi (Allah be pleased with him) reported: A woman came to Allah's Messenger. (may peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, I have come to you to entrust myself to you (you may contract my marriage with anyone at your discretion). Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw her and cast a glance at her from head to foot. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) then lowered his head. When the woman saw that he had made no decision in regard to her, she sat down. There stood up a person from amongst his companions and said: Messenger of Allah, marry her to me if you have no need of her. ''''He (the Holy Prophet) said: is there anything with you (which you can give as a dower)? He said: No, Messenger of Allah'''', by Allah I have nothing. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Go to your people (family) and see if you can find something. He returned and said: I have found nothing. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: See even if it is an Iron ring. He went and returned and said: No, by God, not even an iron ring, but only this lower garment of mine (Sahl said that he had no upper garment), half of which (I am prepared to part with) for her. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: How can your lower garment serve your purpose, for it you wear it, she would not be able to make any use of it and if she wears it there would not be anything on you? The man sat down and as the sitting prolonged he stood up (in disappointment) and as he was going back Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) commanded (him) to be called back, and as he came, ''''he said to him: Do you know any part of the Qur'an?'''' He said: I know such and such surahs (and he counted them). whereupon he said: Can you recite them from heart (from your memory)? He said: Yes, whereupon ''''he (Allah's Messenger) said: Go, I have given her to you in marriage for the part of the Qur'an which you know.'''' }} | ||
| Line 116: | Line 116: | ||
A tradition of Abu Dawud relates that two handfuls of dates can be used as a mahr: | A tradition of Abu Dawud relates that two handfuls of dates can be used as a mahr: | ||
{{quote | {{ | {{quote | {{Abu Dawud||2110|darussalam}} | Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: | ||
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone gives as a dower to his wife two handfuls of flour or dates he has made her lawful for him. | The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone gives as a dower to his wife two handfuls of flour or dates he has made her lawful for him. | ||
| Line 125: | Line 125: | ||
===Don't give excessive mahrs=== | ===Don't give excessive mahrs=== | ||
{{quote | {{ | {{quote | {{Abu Dawud||2106|darussalam}} | Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattab: | ||
AbulAjfa' as-Sulami said: Umar (Allah be pleased with him) delivered a speech to us and said: Do not go to extremes in giving women their dower, for if it represented honor in this world and piety in Allah's sight, the one of you most entitled to do so would have been the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) did not marry any of his wives or gave any of his daughters in marriage for more than twelve uqiyahs. }} | AbulAjfa' as-Sulami said: Umar (Allah be pleased with him) delivered a speech to us and said: Do not go to extremes in giving women their dower, for if it represented honor in this world and piety in Allah's sight, the one of you most entitled to do so would have been the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) did not marry any of his wives or gave any of his daughters in marriage for more than twelve uqiyahs. }} | ||
| Line 131: | Line 131: | ||
===Don't take back the mahr=== | ===Don't take back the mahr=== | ||
{{quote | {{Quran|2|229}} | Divorce may be (pronounced) twice, then keep (them) in good fellowship or let (them) go with kindness; ''''and it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them'''', unless both fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah; then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby. These are the limits of Allah, so do not exceed them and whoever exceeds the limits of Allah these it is that are the unjust. }} | {{quote | {{Quran|2|229}} | Divorce may be (pronounced) twice, then keep (them) in good fellowship or let (them) go with kindness; ''''and it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them'''', unless both fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah; then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby. These are the limits of Allah, so do not exceed them and whoever exceeds the limits of Allah these it is that are the unjust. }} | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||4579|darussalam}} | Narrated Ibn Abbas: | ||
regarding the Divine Verse: "O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness that you may take back part of the (Mahr) dower you have given them." (4.19) (Before this revelation) if a man died, his relatives used to have the right to inherit his wife, and one of them could marry her if he would, or they would give her in marriage if they wished, or, if they wished, they would not give her in marriage at all, and they would be more entitled to dispose her, than her own relatives. So the above Verse was revealed in this connection. }} | regarding the Divine Verse: "O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness that you may take back part of the (Mahr) dower you have given them." (4.19) (Before this revelation) if a man died, his relatives used to have the right to inherit his wife, and one of them could marry her if he would, or they would give her in marriage if they wished, or, if they wished, they would not give her in marriage at all, and they would be more entitled to dispose her, than her own relatives. So the above Verse was revealed in this connection. }} | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5311|darussalam}} | Narrated Said bin Jubair: | ||
I asked Ibn 'Umar, "(What is the verdict if) a man accuses his wife of illegal sexual intercourse?" Ibn 'Umar said, "The Prophet separated (by divorce) the couple of Bani Al-Ajlan, and said, (to them), 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent?' But both of them refused. He again said, 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent?' But both of them refused. So he separated them by divorce." (Aiyub, a sub-narrator said: 'Amr bin Dinar said to me, "There is something else in this Hadith which you have not mentioned. It goes thus: ''''The man said, 'What about my money (i.e. the Mahr that I have given to my wife)?' It was said, 'You have no right to restore any money, for if you have spoken the truth (as regards the accusation), you have also consummated your marriage with her''''; and if you have told a lie, you are less rightful to have your money back.' ") }} | I asked Ibn 'Umar, "(What is the verdict if) a man accuses his wife of illegal sexual intercourse?" Ibn 'Umar said, "The Prophet separated (by divorce) the couple of Bani Al-Ajlan, and said, (to them), 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent?' But both of them refused. He again said, 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent?' But both of them refused. So he separated them by divorce." (Aiyub, a sub-narrator said: 'Amr bin Dinar said to me, "There is something else in this Hadith which you have not mentioned. It goes thus: ''''The man said, 'What about my money (i.e. the Mahr that I have given to my wife)?' It was said, 'You have no right to restore any money, for if you have spoken the truth (as regards the accusation), you have also consummated your marriage with her''''; and if you have told a lie, you are less rightful to have your money back.' ") }} | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5312|darussalam}} | Narrated Said bin Jubair: | ||
I asked Ibn 'Umar about those who were involved in a case of Lien. He said, "The Prophet said to those who were involved in a case of Lien, 'Your accounts are with Allah. One of you two is a liar, and you (the husband) have no right over her (she is divorced)." ''''The man said, 'What about my property (Mahr) ?' The Prophet said, 'You have no right to get back your property. If you have told the truth about her then your property was for the consummation of your marriage with her''''; and if you told a lie about her, then you are less rightful to get your property back.' " Sufyan, a sub-narrator said: I learned the Hadith from 'Amr. Narrated Aiyub: I heard Sa'id bin Jubair saying, "I asked Ibn 'Umar, 'If a man (accuses his wife for an illegal sexual intercourse and) carries out the process of Lian (what will happen)?' Ibn 'Umar set two of his fingers apart. (Sufyan set his index finger and middle finger apart.) Ibn 'Umar said, 'The Prophet separated the couple of Bani Al-Ajlan by divorce and said thrice, "Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent (to Allah)?' " }} | I asked Ibn 'Umar about those who were involved in a case of Lien. He said, "The Prophet said to those who were involved in a case of Lien, 'Your accounts are with Allah. One of you two is a liar, and you (the husband) have no right over her (she is divorced)." ''''The man said, 'What about my property (Mahr) ?' The Prophet said, 'You have no right to get back your property. If you have told the truth about her then your property was for the consummation of your marriage with her''''; and if you told a lie about her, then you are less rightful to get your property back.' " Sufyan, a sub-narrator said: I learned the Hadith from 'Amr. Narrated Aiyub: I heard Sa'id bin Jubair saying, "I asked Ibn 'Umar, 'If a man (accuses his wife for an illegal sexual intercourse and) carries out the process of Lian (what will happen)?' Ibn 'Umar set two of his fingers apart. (Sufyan set his index finger and middle finger apart.) Ibn 'Umar said, 'The Prophet separated the couple of Bani Al-Ajlan by divorce and said thrice, "Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent (to Allah)?' " }} | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5349|darussalam}} | Narrated Said bin Jubair: | ||
I said to Ibn 'Umar, "If a man accuses his wife of illegal sexual intercourse (what is the judgment)?" He said, "Allah's Prophet separated the couple of Bani 'Ajlan (when the husband accused his wife for an illegal sexual intercourse). The Prophet said, 'Allah knows that one of you two IS a liar; so will one of you repent?' But they refused. He then again said, 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent?' But they refused, whereupon he separated them by divorce." Aiyub (a sub-narrator) said: 'Amr bin Dinar said to me, "In the narration there is something which I do not see you mentioning, i.e. ''''the husband said, "What about my money (Mahr)?' The Prophet said, "You are not entitled to take back money, for if you told the truth you have already entered upon her (and consummated your marriage with her)'''' and if you are a liar then you are less entitled to take it back. }} | I said to Ibn 'Umar, "If a man accuses his wife of illegal sexual intercourse (what is the judgment)?" He said, "Allah's Prophet separated the couple of Bani 'Ajlan (when the husband accused his wife for an illegal sexual intercourse). The Prophet said, 'Allah knows that one of you two IS a liar; so will one of you repent?' But they refused. He then again said, 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will one of you repent?' But they refused, whereupon he separated them by divorce." Aiyub (a sub-narrator) said: 'Amr bin Dinar said to me, "In the narration there is something which I do not see you mentioning, i.e. ''''the husband said, "What about my money (Mahr)?' The Prophet said, "You are not entitled to take back money, for if you told the truth you have already entered upon her (and consummated your marriage with her)'''' and if you are a liar then you are less entitled to take it back. }} | ||
{{quote | {{Muslim| | {{quote | {{Muslim||1406d|reference}} | | ||
Sabra al-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father that while he was with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) he said: 0 people, I had permitted you to contract temporary marriage with women, but Allah has forbidden it (now) until the Day of Resurrection. So he who has any (woman with this type of marriage contract) he should let her off, and do not take back anything you have given to then (as dower). }} | Sabra al-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father that while he was with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) he said: 0 people, I had permitted you to contract temporary marriage with women, but Allah has forbidden it (now) until the Day of Resurrection. So he who has any (woman with this type of marriage contract) he should let her off, and do not take back anything you have given to then (as dower). }} | ||
{{quote | {{Muslim| | {{quote | {{Muslim||1406l|reference}} | | ||
Sabra al-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) prohibited the contracting of temporary marriage and said: Behold, it is forbidden from this very day of yours to the Day of Resurrection, and he who has given something (as a dower) should not take it back. }} | Sabra al-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) prohibited the contracting of temporary marriage and said: Behold, it is forbidden from this very day of yours to the Day of Resurrection, and he who has given something (as a dower) should not take it back. }} | ||
{{quote | {{Muslim| | {{quote | {{Muslim||1493c|reference}} | | ||
Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying to the invokers of curse: Your account is with Allah. One of you must be a liar. You have now no right over this woman. He said: Messenger of Allah, what about my wealth (dower that I paid her at the time of marriage)? He said: You have no claim to wealth. If you tell the truth, it (dower) is the recompense for your having had the right to intercourse with her, and if you tell a lie against her, it is still more remote from you than she is. Zuhair said in his narration: Sufyan reported to us on the authority of 'Amr that he had heard Sa'id b Jubair saying: I heard Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) saying that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had said it. }} | Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying to the invokers of curse: Your account is with Allah. One of you must be a liar. You have now no right over this woman. He said: Messenger of Allah, what about my wealth (dower that I paid her at the time of marriage)? He said: You have no claim to wealth. If you tell the truth, it (dower) is the recompense for your having had the right to intercourse with her, and if you tell a lie against her, it is still more remote from you than she is. Zuhair said in his narration: Sufyan reported to us on the authority of 'Amr that he had heard Sa'id b Jubair saying: I heard Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) saying that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had said it. }} | ||
| Line 153: | Line 153: | ||
===Daughter trading in lieu of a mahr is not permissible=== | ===Daughter trading in lieu of a mahr is not permissible=== | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5112|darussalam}} | Narrated Ibn 'Umar : | ||
Allah's Apostle forbade Ash-Shighar, which means that somebody marries his daughter to somebody else, and the latter marries his daughter to the former without paying Mahr. }} | Allah's Apostle forbade Ash-Shighar, which means that somebody marries his daughter to somebody else, and the latter marries his daughter to the former without paying Mahr. }} | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||6960|darussalam}} | Narrated 'Abdullah: | ||
Nafi narrated to me that 'Abdullah said that Allah's Apostle forbade the Shighar. I asked Nafi', "What is the Shighar?" He said, "It is to marry the daughter of a man and marry one's daughter to that man (at the same time) without Mahr (in both cases); or to marry the sister of a man and marry one's own sister to that man without Mahr." Some people said, "If one, by a trick, marries on the basis of Shighar, the marriage is valid but its condition is illegal." The same scholar said regarding Al-Mut'a, "The marriage is invalid and its condition is illegal." Some others said, "The Mut'a and the Shighar are permissible but the condition is illegal." }} | Nafi narrated to me that 'Abdullah said that Allah's Apostle forbade the Shighar. I asked Nafi', "What is the Shighar?" He said, "It is to marry the daughter of a man and marry one's daughter to that man (at the same time) without Mahr (in both cases); or to marry the sister of a man and marry one's own sister to that man without Mahr." Some people said, "If one, by a trick, marries on the basis of Shighar, the marriage is valid but its condition is illegal." The same scholar said regarding Al-Mut'a, "The marriage is invalid and its condition is illegal." Some others said, "The Mut'a and the Shighar are permissible but the condition is illegal." }} | ||
{{quote | {{Muslim| | {{quote | {{Muslim||1415a|reference}} | | ||
Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) said that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) prohibited Shighar which means that a man gives his daughter in marriage on the condition that the other gives his daughter to him in marriage with- out any dower being paid by either. }} | Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) said that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) prohibited Shighar which means that a man gives his daughter in marriage on the condition that the other gives his daughter to him in marriage with- out any dower being paid by either. }} | ||
{{quote | {{ | {{quote | {{Abu Dawud||2075|darussalam}} | Narrated Mu'awiyah: | ||
AbdurRahman ibn Hurmuz al-A'raj said: Al-Abbas ibn Abdullah ibn al-Abbas married his daughter to AbdurRahman ibn al-Hakam, and AbdurRahman married his daughter to him. And they made this (exchange) their dower. Mu'awiyah wrote to Marwan commanding him to separate them. He wrote in his letter: This is the shighar which the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) has forbidden. }} | AbdurRahman ibn Hurmuz al-A'raj said: Al-Abbas ibn Abdullah ibn al-Abbas married his daughter to AbdurRahman ibn al-Hakam, and AbdurRahman married his daughter to him. And they made this (exchange) their dower. Mu'awiyah wrote to Marwan commanding him to separate them. He wrote in his letter: This is the shighar which the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) has forbidden. }} | ||
| Line 168: | Line 168: | ||
==Exceptions regarding the mahr== | ==Exceptions regarding the mahr== | ||
===Women who wish a divorce must return the mahr=== | ===Women who wish a divorce must return the mahr=== | ||
{{quote |{{Bukhari| | {{quote |{{Bukhari|||5273|darussalam}} | Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: | ||
The wife of Thabit bin Qais came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I do not blame Thabit for defects in his character or his religion, but I, being a Muslim, dislike to behave in un-Islamic manner (if I remain with him)." On that Allah's Apostle said (to her), "Will you give back the garden which your husband has given you (as Mahr)?" She said, "Yes." Then the Prophet said to Thabit, "O Thabit! Accept your garden, and divorce her once." }} | The wife of Thabit bin Qais came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I do not blame Thabit for defects in his character or his religion, but I, being a Muslim, dislike to behave in un-Islamic manner (if I remain with him)." On that Allah's Apostle said (to her), "Will you give back the garden which your husband has given you (as Mahr)?" She said, "Yes." Then the Prophet said to Thabit, "O Thabit! Accept your garden, and divorce her once." }} | ||
{{quote | {{ | {{quote | {{Abu Dawud||2228|darussalam}} | Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: | ||
Habibah daughter of Sahl was the wife of Thabit ibn Qays Shimmas He beat her and broke some of her part. So she came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) after morning, and complained to him against her husband. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called on Thabit ibn Qays and said (to him): Take a part of her property and separate yourself from her. He asked: Is that right, Apostle of Allah? He said: Yes. He said: I have given her two gardens of mine as a dower, and they are already in her possession. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Take them and separate yourself from her. }} | Habibah daughter of Sahl was the wife of Thabit ibn Qays Shimmas He beat her and broke some of her part. So she came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) after morning, and complained to him against her husband. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called on Thabit ibn Qays and said (to him): Take a part of her property and separate yourself from her. He asked: Is that right, Apostle of Allah? He said: Yes. He said: I have given her two gardens of mine as a dower, and they are already in her possession. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Take them and separate yourself from her. }} | ||
| Line 193: | Line 193: | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
*[[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)|Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans]] | |||
* [[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)|Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans]] | |||
{{Template:Translation-links-english|[[Účel mahru|Czech]]}} | {{Template:Translation-links-english|[[Účel mahru|Czech]]}} | ||