Putting the Dowry on Display

Question

In the present age, when bad faith and dishonesty are widespread, what harm is there if the items of the dowry are shown to the groom’s relatives and kin and to trustworthy people of the village, so that they can bear witness when needed? Or the items could be laid out and shown, a list drawn up, and the young man’s signature taken on it, so that at the time of divorce or a dispute it may serve as a shield for the girl. Or please suggest some solution.

Answer

In these regrettable circumstances there is no need to bring the dowry to the crossroads and display it. There is no harm in drawing up a list and having it signed by the influential members of the family.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.