Demanding Wealth in Return for Nikah

Question

Among us there is this custom: at the time of marriage the young man or the young man’s wali (guardian) receives from the girl’s side a large amount of money, goods and articles — and only then does he marry. If he receives even somewhat less than the agreed money, goods and articles, the young man’s side does not go ahead with the marriage. In this way the girl’s side remains greatly bewildered and distressed: it cannot even find an equal match (kuf’).

Answer

If the mahr is fixed at a large amount, then a demand for dowry commensurate with it may also be valid. And even this applies only when the nikah has already been concluded and there is hesitation over the bride’s send-off to her husband’s home.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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