Taking Money from the Husband at the Engagement and the Wedding

Question

The girl’s side takes money at the engagement and at the wedding; if the money is not given as they wish, they refuse the marriage altogether. Is such giving and taking correct or not?

Answer

If it is taken as a loan (qard), then, as needed, lending and borrowing by the mutual consent of both parties is valid; but here too it must be kept in mind that it is not under the pressure and influence of the marriage. If it is not a loan but is taken precisely under the influence of the marriage, then it is a bribe (rishwa) and haram, and returning it is necessary.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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