Is it permissible to take travel expenses from the groom for arranging a nikah?

Question

In the province of Bihar there are more girls than boys. A girl is adult, but finding a boy is difficult. From our area a man takes such men as, despite being quite advanced in age, are deprived of the joy of marriage, has them married there and brings them back. The girls’ families are in such a destitute state that they meet the wedding expenses by taking them from the groom’s side.

Answer

Taking travel expenses is proper when he has travelled for this purpose. Nikah with a non-equal (ghayr kuf’) is valid with the permission of the wali.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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