Different forms of Mahr and the present Mahr value

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Minimum Mahr

There is no maximum limit of mahr. One may give as much mahr as he wishes. The minimum amount of mahr according to the Hanafi Madhhab is 10 dirhams. However, one should try to keep the mahr simple as this is desired in Shari’a.

Mahr of the wives of the Prophet (SAW) and the Mahr of the Fatima (RA)

The amount of mahr Nabi (SAW) gave to his wives according to one narration is 480 dirhams and according to another narration is 500 dirhams. The amount of mahr giving to Fatima (Radiyallahu ‘Anha), the daughter of Nabi (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam) was 480 dirhams.

Ahsan al-Fatawa (5/31) H.M Saeed

Mahr Mithal

What is the norm in the family in the amount of mahr. This is determined by looking at what the womenfolk from the father’s side are normally given. Also it is necessary that the two girls must have the same qualities (age, beauty, virginity, location, etc.) in determining the mehr mithal.

One should recognize that the mahr is a right of the wife. She is entitled to this money and is considered a debt upon the husband. In many countries it has become a custom that the wife is forced to forfeit this right after marriage and as a result she does not receive any mahr. This is against the teachings of Shari’a and an oppression of her right.

Types of Mahr

Dirhams

Grams

Troy Ounces

Minimum Mahr

10 Dirhams (silver

30.615175

0.9843

Mahr of the Wives

500 Dirhams (silver)

1530.8753

49.21875

As of June 06, 2008:

Minimum mahr is R153.66

Mahr Fatimi is R7682.78

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Ml. Ehzaz Ajmeri,
Student Darul Iftaa

Checked and Approved by:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa