The Right of the Girl’s Father to Demand the Mahr Before the Bride’s Send-off

Question

Zayd’s nikah with Hinda was contracted in accordance with the Shari‘a. At the time of the nikah, half of the mahr was fixed as prompt. Hinda was eighteen years old at that time. Hinda’s father had promised to send the bride off to her husband’s home one year after the nikah; at present Hinda is twenty (20) years old. Hinda’s father has not yet sent her off to her husband’s home, nor has the wedding night taken place. Hinda’s father is not yet sending his daughter off and demands the whole mahr.

Answer

In the case asked about, Hinda’s father has no right to demand the whole mahr; acting as Hinda’s agent (wakil) and with Hinda’s consent, he has the right to demand only half of the mahr. Zayd should pay half of the mahr.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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